Braves ace Spencer Strider hit Bryce Harper with a 95 mph fastball to the elbow Tuesday, forcing the Phillies slugger to exit the game with what the team later called a right elbow contusion.
X-rays on Harper’s elbow came back negative, but the Phillies haven’t announced a timeline for his return.
The incident has Phillies fans fuming, especially given the high-stakes divisional matchup between the NL East rivals. Judge for yourself if there was intent behind the pitch:
Bryce Harper was removed from the game after being hit by a pitch in the right elbow pic.twitter.com/mRjQUMrvQ0
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 27, 2025
Harper’s potential absence would be a significant blow to Philadelphia’s momentum. The two-time NL MVP is hitting .267 with eight homers and 33 RBI through 53 games this season. He’s been a key contributor during the Phillies’ recent surge that’s seen them win nine of their last 10 games.
That hot streak has completely transformed the NL East race. The Phillies have erased a 3.5-game deficit to the Mets and entered Tuesday leading the division by 1.5 games.
Harper left game due to right elbow contusion; X-rays were negative. https://t.co/4pUA6x5VfY
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) May 27, 2025
The timing couldn’t be worse for Harper and the Phillies. They’re finally clicking on all cylinders, and now their emotional leader might be sidelined during a crucial stretch against divison rivals. The negative X-rays provide some hope, but elbow contusions can linger and affect a hitter’s swing mechanics.
What makes this situation particularly tense is the growing rivalry between these teams. The Braves and Phillies have been jockeying for NL East supremacy for several seasons now, and these head-to-head matchups often feature heightened emotions.
