Phyllis’ worst-case scenario came on Saturday night when Bryce Harper suffered a fractured left thumb and was out indefinitely.
Harper was hit in the thumb by Blake Snell’s 97 mph fast ball in the fourth inning in San Diego. He immediately fell to the ground, clasping his left hand and writhing in pain. Apparently disappointed, Harper said something to Snell, who apologized and said it was unintentional. Harper shouted back at Snell that he knew it wasn’t on purpose.
It will be re-evaluated in the coming days to determine the path to recovery and whether surgery is needed.
Harper is as indispensable as any baseball player. The Philistines had just felt it earlier this week when they scored a combined five series in three games, which he missed with a blister. Harper was again one of the best strikers in baseball, entering Saturday’s game with .320 / .385 / .602 with 21 pairs, 15 homers and 48 RBI despite missing nine games. He has six more hits with an extra base than anyone in the majors since last year’s All Star break.
“It’s hard, the year he has, the man he is,” Kyle Schwarber said in the post-match broadcast. “It’s a heavy blow, but we will have to overcome it. It will obviously be tough, but I think this club can handle that kind of blow. We have a lot of good players and you have to step up one by one and don’t do too much, just be yourself, but when the boys’ numbers are called, we have to answer the bell. “
This was another experienced but productive year for the managing MVP. He has been unable to throw or play on the pitch since the second week of the season due to a small tear in his UCL. He will have a re-examination of his elbow next week. He also missed a time earlier this week after his bladder became infected.
Saturday’s game, Phyllis’ 4-2 victory, was almost too late in light of Harper’s injury. The Files will need more than a few strikers, in particular Nick Castellanos, who so far has not lived up to expectations. They are also without Jean Segura, who is out until the beginning of September, after he broke his finger when trying to hit.
The trading deadline is a little over five weeks and Phillies can target an outfielder or DH. Meanwhile, Mickey Moniac is about to return to the big league.
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