PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Bryce Harper says he will be back to full fitness in October, saying the elbow and wrist injuries the two-time NL MVP suffered this season with the Philadelphia Phillies are more of a nuisance than a cause for concern for the postseason.
What choice does Harper have but to think differently?
“I just have to do it,” Harper said after Friday night's 7-2 loss to Atlanta. “That's part of the game. That's part of the process you go through in a season. I just have to stay the course and understand that I'm relying heavily on my body.”
The Phillies rely heavily on Harper, their franchise star who was instrumental in their run to the NL East title. Harper's pop has declined this month, which is about as noticeable as the black support sleeve he wears on his right arm.
Harper told MLB.com before Friday's game against Atlanta that he has been battling wrist problems since May, while the elbow problem is more recent.
“It's nothing crazy, but it's obviously there,” Harper told the website.
Harper hit two doubles (giving him 33 home runs this season) and a single against the Braves, but still hasn't hit a home run since August 9, a streak of 77 consecutive batting appearances. Harper is stuck at 26 home runs this season. That's still his best mark since hitting 35 home runs in 2021.
“It's August, of course. I think everyone works a little hard,” Harper said. “It's just part of the game.”
Harper, 31, is playing his first full season as a first baseman after reconstructive elbow surgery forced him to move to right field. Harper defied the odds last season, returning after the 2022 World Series 160 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Harper was hailed as a baseball prodigy before he even reached his teens, and was described as baseball's version of LeBron James or Tiger Woods. The Las Vegas sensation developed into a star and MVP with the Washington Nationals, then a second life as a postseason conqueror in Philadelphia.
When the Phillies are in a tight spot, they can always count on Harper. Harper hit a game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning against Houston closer Josh Hader to win 3-2 on Monday night.
Harper said the Phillies could count on him again in October despite all the aches and pains.
“No, I’m not worried,” Harper said.
