The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a double injury blow and a 7-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Thursday night, a game that saw Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber leave the field due to injuries.
Harper limped off the field after the final out, clutching his left hamstring. The injury occurred as he reached for his hamstring after crossing first base. "I felt my lower hammy, just a little bit. We're going to get an image tomorrow and see what that looks like. See how I feel tomorrow and go from there," Harper said.
The situation adds another layer of concern for the Phillies. Harper has been a key player in the lineup, currently riding a 12-game hitting streak. He also drove in a run with an RBI double in the first inning, showcasing why he was the National League's leading vote-getter in the first round of All-Star Game fan balloting.
The upcoming July 16 All-Star Game in Texas would mark Harper's eighth All-Star appearance and seventh as a starter. However, the hamstring issue raises questions about his availability for the event.
Manager Rob Thomson provided a measured response regarding Harper's condition. "He just felt his hamstring grab going down the line. Don't know anything more than that. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow and check him out," Thomson said.
Though Harper’s injury was the most prominent concern, Kyle Schwarber also left the game due to left groin tightness. Schwarber had taken to the field in left for just the third time this season when he experienced discomfort. The timing couldn't have been worse for Schwarber, who has had a limited presence in the outfield this season.
Harper is scheduled for imaging on Friday, which should provide a clearer picture of the severity of his injury. "I never felt anything like this before. It hurts," Harper admitted.
The game against the Marlins itself was a tough contest for the Phillies. Despite Harper’s early contribution, the team could not sustain momentum against a resilient Miami squad. The loss underlines some of the challenges the Phillies will need to address moving forward.
Rob Thomson and his team are now left waiting, with the outcomes of tomorrow's medical evaluations potentially determining the immediate future of the Phillies’ lineup. Both Harper and Schwarber's conditions will be key factors as the team aims to navigate the remaining weeks of the season.
The Phillies will need to strategize without two of their most impactful players, creating an urgent demand for others within the roster to step up. Fans and teammates alike are undoubtedly hoping for quick recoveries as the team looks to keep their postseason ambitions alive.