PHILADELPHIA — Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper did not play on Sunday because it was a planned rest day, not because of any potential effects from falling into a photographer's area in the dugout at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.
Manager Rob Thomson mentioned that Harper was already scheduled for a day off in the last game of the series against the Braves, even before he fell while going after a foul ball.
“It was already planned for him to have a day off because he hasn’t played much in the spring, and then he fell into the camera well,” Thomson explained on Sunday.
Thomson stated that Harper was not able to pinch hit in Sunday’s 5-4 win over the Braves because he was “a little sore from the tumble.”
Harper confirmed after the game that he was okay and ready to play on Monday against Cincinnati.
“What happened yesterday I don’t think really had any merit on today,” Harper stated. “Definitely looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow.”
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and other front office personnel mimicked Harper’s motion over the rail during batting practice to illustrate that the railing was several inches shorter than the protective railing used for the dugouts. Harper mentioned that he believed the Phillies will raise the height of the rail at some point.
“I knew the railing was there,” Harper mentioned. “It just kind of happened.”
The two-time NL MVP, Harper, is in his first full season playing first base after elbow surgery forced him to move from right field.
Harper has been aggressively going after most balls hit his way since he started playing first base last season. This incident caused concern for the Phillies.
Atlanta’s Austin Riley hit a foul ball off Phillies starter Aaron Nola in the first inning that Harper chased down. He tumbled over a short railing and landed in the photographer’s area in the dugout. Harper lost his hat but got up and walked over the railing to a standing ovation and stayed in the game.
The ball bounced off the protective netting and landed on the dirt.
Harper was taken out late because the game was already decided in Atlanta’s 12-4 victory. The Phillies were 0-2 going into Sunday and had given up 21 runs.
Alec Bohm started at first base for the Phillies against Braves left-hander Chris Sale.
The 31-year-old Harper had not gotten a hit in six at-bats this season and had walked twice with three strikeouts.
“We’re trying to take care of him,” Thomson mentioned. “In the first month, we have two days off. It's like spring training without the extra 44 players. And with a lefty matchup, we’ll give other guys a chance. We’ll just protect him.”
