Bryce Harper is well aware of how fortunate he was to come out of Wednesday’s game with his face, vision and frankly his professional baseball career still in tact. His parents found out that he was hit by a 97 mph heater via a phone notification. When Harper’s mom Sherilyn heard that her son will be OK, she said “You must have angels with you tonight.”
Harper did not suffer a concussion and was left without any bruises on his face. If he was up to it, Harper could partake in a photoshoot for GQ magazine at this moment. He’s unavailable to play Friday as he’s still dealing with soreness in his wrist.
“When it hit me, it hit me flesh in the face. It got me pretty good,” Harper said. “And then once it ricocheted off, instead of just going straight to the backstop, it got my wrist. So it kind of hit me in that perfect spot. Right on like the bone and the little tendon area. It’s just a little sore.”
Harper felt discomfort in the wrist while swinging the bat, so he wanted to take at least one extra day before returning to the lineup.
“I just really want to be smart about it,” Harper said. I feel good at the plate right now. I don’t want to be dumb and go out there and just say I want to play just because I want to look tough like I have in the past. I mean there are so many times where I’ve done it.”
Pregame Notes
- Bench coach Rob Thomson will manage today’s game in place of Joe Girardi. Girardi is attending his daughter Serena’s college graduation and is expected to return Saturday.
- J.T. Realmuto was a late scratch to the lineup.
- Didi Gregorius was placed on the COVID-19 list prior to the game. Catcher Rafael Marchan was recalled from the alternate training site in his place. Thomson calls it a “precaution on our part just to make sure he’s OK.” Thomson also says that he believes Gregorius would be able to play if it wasn’t for the COVID-19 related issue as he’s still recovering from getting hit-by-a-pitch in Wednesday’s game.
- Jean Segura (quad) took ground balls, did high-intensity running and participated in batting practice on Friday. He’s eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Saturday. They’ll reevaluate him and see where he’s at following pregame activities.
- Archie Bradley (oblique), who spent some time back at the alternate site during the team’s most recent road trip, was with the team Friday. He played catch in the outfield and according to Thomson, Bradley would have thrown a short bullpen if all went well. The initial timeline for his injury was three to four weeks. Sunday will mark three weeks since Bradley was placed on the injured list.
Tonight’s Lineup
Phillies
- Andrew McCutchen, left field
- Matt Joyce, right field
- Rhys Hoskins, first base
- Brad Miller, second base
- Alec Bohm, third base
- Nick Maton, shortstop
- Andrew Knapp, catcher
- Odúbel Herrera, center fielder
- Chase Anderson, pitcher
Mets
- Brandon Nimmo, center field
- Francisco Lindor, shortstop
- Jeff McNeil, second base
- Pete Alonso, first base
- Michael Conforto, right field
- J.D.Davis, third base
- Dominic Smith, left field
- James McCann, catcher
- Marcus Stroman, pitcher
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