It’s done! Philadelphia Phillies have defeated the top-seeded Atlanta Braves to qualify for the NLCS for the second time in the past two seasons. However, amidst all the good news, they also faced a scare that could have jeopardized their championship-winning dream. Their star player, Bryce Harper, was injured and had to leave the field. Although he returned to the field, the concerns persisted regarding the injury.
As the Phillies lost the last World Series, they have been looking to change the narrative with a decisive win. They need Harper to be on the plate and the field. Thus, everyone was worried about his injury to the same arm that he was operated on last year and looked for answers. Manager Rob Thomson understood the situation and came forward sharing a significant update.
Manager Rob Thomson Shares Positive News as Injury Concerns Surround Bryce Harper
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Everything was going well for the Philadelphia Phillies until the eighth inning. But the tides turned when their star player Bryce Harper got injured after colliding with Matt Olson on a play at first base. Looking in deep pain, he was forced to leave the field.
Bryce Harper suffers an apparent injury after colliding with Matt Olson on a play at first base pic.twitter.com/dsOMaU1TXY
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 13, 2023
Given that he was out of action for months due to an injury on the same arm, it brought fears of losing him out for the championship series. However, according to Bob Nightingale, manager Rob Thomson has given a positive update amidst the fears.
He shared that Bryce Harper will be in fine shape for the NLCS. While describing the situation, Thomson added, “He went downstairs with our training staff, and they came up and said he’s fine. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but I don’t think there’s any concern about structural damage or anything like that.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson says that Bryce Harper will be fine for the NLCS:
"He went downstairs with our training staff, and they came up and said he's fine. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, but I don't think there's any concern about structural damage or anything like that.'— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 13, 2023
This is positive news for the Phillies and their fans, as they can finally breathe a sigh of relief. They will hope that the $330 million star stays in top shape and red-hot form against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a few days. Interestingly, Harper also feels the same and has reacted accordingly.
Harper Says It’s Nothing but a Funny Bone
Amidst the injury concerns, Bryce Harper has shared his understanding of the situation, too. While referring the incident to as hitting his funny bone, Harper shared that everything is good.
"I’m good just hit my funny bone."
Bryce Harper on his injury in Game 4. pic.twitter.com/ALYK99IZMF
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 13, 2023
Thus it is a soothing answer, given many players could not recover on time this season, and their team suffered in their absence. As the NLCS is just days away, Harper’s availability is much needed as the top scorer with seven runs and three home runs in the Game 4 against the Braves.
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However, it would be interesting to see how Harper adds to his post-season record after a narrow escape. Will he be able to fulfill the Phillies and his World Series dream this time out?
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