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Phillies’ Rob Thomson Announces Bryce Harper News After Absence From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Valdez | Last updated May 29, 2025 6:29 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in the first game of their doubleheader on Thursday despite the absence of superstar first baseman Bryce Harper. Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider hit the 32-year-old with a 95.3 miles per hour fastball near the right elbow on Tuesday, and he sat on Thursday to recover.

The two teams were rained out on Wednesday, so Thursday afternoon's game was the makeup contest. Phillies catcher Rafael Marchán went 1-for-2 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored, while shortstop Trea Turner added a RBI single and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber had a solo homer.

Philadelphia must win without Harper again on Thursday night, and manager Rob Thomson revealed more details before the game, via The Athletic's Charlotte Varnes.

"Bryce Harper is not in the Phillies’ game two lineup. After game one, Thomson said Harper was feeling better but had no other updates," she reported.

The former Washington National is slashing .267/.375/.450 with eight homers and 33 RBI in 54 games this season.

Bryce Harper is not in the Phillies’ game two lineup. After game one, Thomson said Harper was feeling better but had no other updates.
— Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes) May 29, 2025

Harper is in his seventh season with the Phillies after signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with them in February 2019. The eight-time All-Star was taken No. 1 overall by the Nationals in the 2010 MLB Draft.

Harper earned his first five All-Star selections and his first NL MVP award (2015) with Washington, but the club won its first championship the year after he left. The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year has yet to win a ring in Philadelphia.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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