Watch: Phillies' Harper leaves game after taking fastball to elbow

Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) is looked at by Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) and trainer Joe Rauch after being hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Watch: Phillies' Bryce Harper leaves game after taking fastball to elbow

By Adam Gretz | Last updated May 27, 2025 7:42 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a big injury concern on Tuesday night after superstar first baseman Bryce Harper had to be removed from the game in the bottom of the first inning.

During his first at-bat, Harper was drilled directly in the right elbow by a Spencer Strider fastball and immediately dropped down to the field in pain. After remaining down for several minutes, he was eventually helped off the field.

Here is a look at the pitch that got him:

Bryce Harper was removed from the game after being hit by a pitch in the right elbow pic.twitter.com/mRjQUMrvQ0
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 27, 2025

The concern for the Phillies is that is the same elbow that has given Harper issues in recent seasons, including Tommy John Surgery following the 2022 World Series.

Entering play on Tuesday Harper was hitting .267 with eight home runs and an .823 OPS. Those numbers are a little down by Harper's normal standards, but are still well above average for a Major League hitter.

The Phillies also entered the day with the best record in Major League Baseball at 34-19.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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