PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper says he’ll be fantastic for October, that the elbow and wrist accidents the two-time NL MVP has performed by this Philadelphia Phillies season are extra a nuisance than a priority for the postseason.
What alternative does Harper have however to really feel in any other case?
“I simply need to,” Harper mentioned after Friday evening’s 7-2 loss to Atlanta. “It is a part of the sport. It is a part of the method of going by a season. Simply received to remain the course and perceive that I rely heavy on my physique.”
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The Phillies rely closely on Harper, their franchise star who has keyed their run towards an NL East title. Harper’s pop has been down this month, about as noticeable because the black help sleeve he wears on his proper arm.
Harper informed MLB.com forward of Friday’s sport towards Atlanta that he has battled wrist issues since Might whereas the elbow is a more moderen situation.
“It isn’t something loopy, however clearly it is there,” Harper informed the web site.
Harper doubled twice (giving him 33 this season) and singled towards the Braves however nonetheless has not homered since Aug. 9, a string of 77 consecutive plate appearances. Harper remained caught on 26 homers this season. It is nonetheless his most since he hit 35 in 2021.
“It is August, clearly. I feel everyone’s grinding just a little bit,” Harper mentioned. “It is simply a part of the sport.”
The 31-year-old Harper is in his first full season enjoying first base after reconstructive elbow surgical procedure compelled him to maneuver from proper area. Harper defied the percentages final season and returned 160 days after Tommy John surgical procedure on his proper elbow following the 2022 World Sequence.
Harper was hailed as a baseball prodigy since earlier than he was a teen, billed as baseball’s model of LeBron James or Tiger Woods. The Las Vegas sensation blossomed right into a star and an MVP with the Washington Nationals. Then got here a second life as a postseason conqueror in Philadelphia.
When the Phillies are in a decent spot, they’ll all the time depend on Harper. Harper hit a game-ending RBI single within the tenth inning off Houston nearer Josh Hader in a 3-2 win Monday evening.
Harper mentioned the Phillies can depend on him once more in October, irrespective of the aches or pains.
“No, not involved,” Harper mentioned.
