Bryce Harper insists he’ll be ready for October, stating that his elbow and wrist injuries this season are more of an inconvenience than a major concern for the postseason.
Harper remains optimistic, explaining, “I just have to. It’s part of the game and the process of a season. I need to stay the course and remember how much I rely on my body,” after the Phillies’ 7-2 defeat to Atlanta on Friday night.
As the Phillies’ star player, Harper’s contributions are vital to their NL East title pursuit. His power has diminished this month, evident in the black support sleeve he wears on his right arm.
Harper revealed to MLB.com before the game that he has been dealing with wrist issues since May, while the elbow problem is more recent.
In the fifth inning, Bryce Harper mentioned, “It’s not anything crazy, but it’s there,” regarding his ongoing injuries.
Despite hitting two doubles—bringing his season total to 33—and adding a single against the Braves, Harper hasn’t hit a home run since August 9, marking 77 plate appearances without a long ball. He remains at 26 home runs for the season, his highest since 35 in 2021.
“It’s August. I think everybody’s grinding a little bit,” Harper noted. “It’s just part of the game.”
At 31, Harper is in his first full season as a first baseman after transitioning from right field due to reconstructive elbow surgery. He defied expectations last season by returning just 160 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow following the 2022 World Series.
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