As Phillies' Bryce Harper Becomes First All-Star, His Injury Verdict Awaits
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 22, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 12-1.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper on Thursday became the first player chosen to represent the National League in the MLB All-Star Game. Yet when his fans awoke Friday, the All-Star nod was the farthest thing from their minds when it came to Harper.
As the Phillies lost to the Miami Marlins on Thursday, Harper ran out a game-ending groundout and pulled up lame, clutching at his left hamstring:
The exact severity of Harper's injury, and how much time he will miss as a result, are still unknown. Manager Rob Thomson told reporters after the game that any updates would be revealed Friday.
Any extended absence for Harper would be a blow to the Phillies, who own baseball's best record at 53-28. Harper, 31, is hitting .303 with a .399 on-base percentage and .582 slugging percentage. His 20 home runs and 58 RBIs (in only 76 games) have him on pace for a monster season that would be among the best of his storied 13-year career.
A two-time MVP, Harper has endeared himself to Philadelphia fans with his play on the field and his personality off it. He's led the team to back-to-back National League Championship Series appearances, and this year has the Phillies on track to make it three years in a row. The team hasn't won a World Series since 2008.
Against this backdrop, it was no surprise that Harper led all NL players in All-Star votes when the first round of balloting ended Thursday. As a result, Harper clinched his seventh fan-elected starting assignment (second among active players to Mike Trout) and became the first Phillies player to win the fan vote at first base since John Kruk in 1993.
All-Star voting will now move into Phase 2, which begins Sunday. The top two Phase 1 finishers at each position (except NL first base), and the top six outfielders, will all advance to Phase 2. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, the leading vote-getter in the American League, also clinched a starting assignment Thursday.
The All-Star Game is July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Without knowing whether Harper will visit the injured list or not, it's all but impossible to say whether or not he will be available to play in baseball's annual midsummer classic.
The Phillies are also contemplating life without leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber, who felt his groin tighten in the eighth inning of Thursday's game against the Marlins. Schwarber is hitting .250 with 17 homers.
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