Bryce Harper says he’ll be fine for October and that the elbow and wrist injuries he’s been dealing with this Philadelphia Phillies season are more of a nuisance than a major worry for the postseason.
What choice does Harper have but to think positively?
“I just have to,” Harper said after Friday night’s 7-2 loss to Atlanta. “It’s part of the game. It’s part of the process of going through a season. Just got to stay the course and understand that I rely heavily on my body.”
The Phillies depend a lot on Harper, their star player, who has been crucial to their push for an NL East title. Harper’s power has been lower this month, which is as noticeable as the black support sleeve he wears on his right arm.
Harper told MLB.com before Friday’s game against Atlanta that he’s had wrist problems since May, while the elbow issue is more recent.
“It’s not anything crazy, but it’s there,” Harper told the website.
Harper hit two doubles (bringing his total to 33 this season) and singled against the Braves but still hasn’t hit a home run since Aug. 9, which makes 77 consecutive plate appearances without a home run. Harper remains at 26 homers this season. It’s still his highest total since hitting 35 in 2021.
“It’s August. I think everybody’s grinding a little bit,” Harper said. “It’s just part of the game.”
The 31-year-old Harper is in his first full season playing first base after having to move from right field due to reconstructive elbow surgery. Harper beat the odds last season by coming back 160 days after Tommy John surgery on his right elbow following the 2022 World Series.
