Phillies’ Bryce Harper Receives Injection for Elbow Injury, out vs. Padres

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper will miss Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow.

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com), Harper received the injection Sunday due to a small tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of his right elbow.

He has largely played designated hitter this year, doing so 26 of 34 times while playing the outfield on the other eight occasions.

The AP also reported that Harper could miss at least one more game beyond Tuesday. The Phils are hosting the Padres on Wednesday and Thursday before welcoming the Los Angeles Dodgers into town for a three-game set beginning Friday.

Harper was dealing with a right elbow injury for much of the beginning of the 2022 season and serving as the team’s designated hitter.

He’s hitting .305/.361/.634 with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 34 games. 

The 29-year-old said the injury did not not bother him while he swung the bat, which is why he continued playing as the team’s DH. That said, he told reporters in early May that he missed playing in the outfield.

“I miss playing,” Harper said. “I really do. I miss being out there with my team and playing on the field. It’s been tough. I want to get back out there. I want to help this team on both sides of the ball. I miss playing right [field]. … That’s been a grind for me. Just worrying about hitting all day, instead of going out there and playing both sides of the ball.”

Harper, a two-time MVP, is one of the best right fielders in baseball, but the Phillies were able to get away with him just playing as their designated hitter thanks to the addition of Nick Castellanos. 

The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder has filled in for the six-time All-Star in right field for much of the season. He’s played well both in the field and at the plate, hitting .279/.343/.465 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 34 games.

Castellanos is serving as the DH Tuesday, and Odubel Herrera is playing right field.

The Phillies have struggled this season, sitting second in the NL East with a 17-18 record. Getting Harper fully healthy will be a huge boost to the lineup.