Bryce Harper misses doubleheader opener against Braves, doesn't start second game
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper missed Thursday's doubleheader opener against the Atlanta Braves and wasn't in the starting lineup for the second game, two days after being hit by a pitch on the right elbow.
Harper was hit by a 95.3 mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of Tuesday night's game. X-rays were negative, but the 32-year-old Harper had swelling and pain.
'He's doing better,' manager Rob Thomson said before the Phillies won the opener 5-4. 'He came in yesterday for treatment. He's in there now. I believe he still had swelling and was still in pain, but it's a lot better than we expected, so it's making progress.
'He hasn't swung the bat yet. ... I wouldn't put him in a game until he's comfortable swinging a bat.'
Thomson said Harper had no additional testing after the original X-ray. He said he hopes Harper will wear an elbow guard once he does return to action.
'I think it's a little uncomfortable for him. I think he feels like it restricts him a little bit,' Thomson said. 'But, I hope he wears it.'
Harper, a two-time MVP, is hitting .267 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs and an .825 OPS.
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