Bryce Harper to the Injured List: Phillies Suffer Setback
The Philadelphia Phillies, amidst a losing streak, have suffered a hard blow. The team has placed their first baseman, Bryce Harper, on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his right wrist. The news comes before Saturday’s game against the Pirates.
Harper, who did not play in Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Pirates, is on a retroactive injured list to Friday. The two-time National League MVP and eight-time All-Star, boasts a .258 batting average, with 9 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 8 stolen bases in 57 games. Harper had already been out of action for five games between May 26 and June 2 due to a contusion in his right elbow, after being hit by a pitch.Alec Bohm is expected to play first base in Harper’s absence, while Edmundo Sosa will cover third base.
The Phillies have lost seven of their last eight games, going from leading the National League East by two games to being 2½ games behind the New York Mets entering Saturday. Before this streak, Philadelphia had won 11 of 12 games.
In addition, the contract of infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp, 25, who has yet to debut in the majors, was batting .317 with 14 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 57 games in Triple-A. Kemp was named International League Player of the Month in April.
The Phillies also called up right-handed pitcher Daniel Robert from Lehigh Valley and optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to the minors. Rangel, 27, made his major league debut on Friday night, allowing two runs in three innings of relief.
This will be Robert’s third stint with the Phillies this season. The 30-year-old has allowed one run in two-thirds of an inning in two games.
