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MLB

Bryce Harper out indefinitely after fracturing thumb

The Phillies face the challenge of having to replace the reigning NL MVP after Bryce Harper fractured his thumb.

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after getting hit with a pitch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 25, 2022 in San Diego, California. Denis Poroy/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==
DENIS POROYAFP

Reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper has been ruled out indefinitely by the Philadelphia Phillies after fracturing his left thumb during Saturday’s win over the San Diego Padres. Harper sustained the injury in the fourth inning when he was hit by a 97mph fastball from Padres pitcher Blake Snell.

Set to undergo further evaluation in the coming days, Harper said: “I’ve never had a hand injury like this. Never broken anything in my life. This is new to me, so I’m just gonna go day by day, see kind of where we’re at, and see the specialist in Philly. And if I do need to see another specialist somewhere, then I will.” He joked: “I kind of wish it would’ve hit me in the face. I don’t break bones in my face. I can take 98 to the face, but I can’t take 97 to the thumb.”

Surgery option

General manager Dave Dombrowski was unsure in the immediate aftermath whether Harper would require surgery. “We will put him on the injured list [on Sunday],” he exaplained. “I was concerned at first he got hit in the face. I was concerned right off the bat because he is a tough guy and he walked off the field immediately.”

Harper is fifth in the NL with a batting average of .318. He has 15 home runs this season and is tied sixth in the NL with 48 RBIs. “He is a guy who really isn’t replaceable on an individual basis, but we are going to have to be in a position that other people are going to have to step up,” Dombrowski added. “We will make a move to try and get someone here [on Sunday].”