Rob Thomson Gives Update After Bryce Harper Hit by Pitch

Bryce Harper was hit by a pitch up and in during Wednesday’s Spring Training game vs. the Toronto Blue Jays:

Bryce Harper left the game in the 6th inning after being hit by a pitch by Richard Lovelady. pic.twitter.com/WmTHoppEV7

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) February 26, 2025

It was a scary moment in Dunedin, Florida. Richard Lovelady struggled with his control throughout his inning of work, which would eventually lead to this HBP in the 6th inning. Harper immediately excited the game, changed into street clothes, and drove himself back to Clearwater, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

Rob Thomson gave an update on Harper following the game, calling it a “bruised right triceps.” Harper won’t be in the lineup in their next game on Thursday, but X-rays did come up negative after this game:

Rob Thomson said Bryce Harper has a bruised right triceps. He’s OK. No x-rays. They’ll know more tomorrow.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 26, 2025

Phew. This is where I start to fall back on my take that the stars don’t need to play anywhere close to the amount of games they play in preseason. I’d be cool with Harper playing once a week. Jalen Hurts needs one drive MAX in preseason. Don’t give your guys any reason to get hurt and not be ready for the season opener. Yes, this was a freak accident, and Lovelady was upset with himself after the pitch was thrown. But I’ve seen Rhys Hoskins tear his ACL in a meaningless baseball game. Get these guys a few ABs and rest them until the games really start to matter, like March 27th at Nationals Park.

The Phillies are back in action on Thursday in Clearwater vs. the Yankees. Thomson said Wednesday that a good portion of the starters won’t be in the lineup, though Zack Wheeler is slated to make his first start of the spring.

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