Why Phillies’ Bryce Harper exited Rockies game early

First baseman Bryce Harper left the Philadelphia Phillies’ 9-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park because of a migraine.

Harper started the game and was on the field defensively in the top of the first inning behind starting pitcher Aaron Nola. He recorded a putout on a ground ball hit by Mickey Moniak before being removed prior to his first plate appearance. Harper was scheduled to bat third in Philadelphia’s lineup, but rookie Felix Reyes pinch-hit for him in the bottom of the first inning and remained at first base for the rest of the game.

The Phillies later confirmed that Harper’s exit was migraine-related. Harper’s migraine seemed to have started suddenly as he had not shown any noticeable symptoms before the game. Interim manager Don Mattingly said Paul Buchheit, the team’s director of medical services and head athletic trainer, felt the two-time National League MVP could return for Sunday’s series finale, though the team will continue to monitor his condition.

Harper has dealt with migraines before. In May 2024, he was scratched from a game against the New York Mets because of the same issue, and former Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said at the time that Harper had previously experienced migraines during his career.

Saturday marked the third migraine-related situation involving a Phillies player this season. Rookie pitcher Andrew Painter missed his scheduled April 12 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of a migraine before later entering the game in relief and pitching five innings. Outfielder Justin Crawford was also removed from the lineup before a May 2 game in against the Miami Marlins because of migraine symptoms.

Despite losing Harper early, Philadelphia improved to 9-3 under Mattingly. Alec Bohm led the offense by going 3-for-4 with two home runs and a double after sitting out the previous two games during a prolonged slump. Trea Turner contributed four hits in the win.

Harper entered Saturday batting .282 with nine home runs, 23 RBIs, and a .929 OPS while appearing in all 40 games for the Phillies this season.