Hugh Douglas is giving Bryce Harper a pass.
"I'm not annoyed at Bryce," Douglas admitted on Thursday's 94WIP Midday Show, reacting to Joe Giglio saying he is annoyed and frustrated with Harper.
"I think Bryce is a phenomenal player and Bryce has had some defining moments since he's been a Phillie and I just feel like right now, for whatever reason Bryce is struggling a little bit and he's frustrated. He just needs to find his way out of this. I still believe in Bryce, I'm giving Bryce a pass. I mean he has to play better, but I'm not about to sit up here and kill Bryce...Bryce has had a lot of moments that have found him that have put him in Phillies lure already, like phenomenal moments. He's having a down time. This is probably the lowest point that Bryce has had since he has been a Phillie...I think the expectations are so high I think Bryce is pressing a little bit, but I'm willing to give him a pass. But he has to play better, he has to be the catalyst to get this thing going."
Harper is 1 for his last 29 and 0 for his last 17. Over the last 28 days, he's 10 for his last 67 (.149).
On the season, Harper is still slashing .274/.370/.540 with a .909 OPS, 24 home runs, and 67 RBI.
The Phillies are in a major rut, losing five straight series' and 10 of their last 14 games. And things won't get any easier, as the Phils head out west for a 10-game road trip against the Mariners, Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
The 65-43 Phillies no longer have the best record in baseball and their NL East lead over the Braves is now just 6.5 games.
"This is the valley that we're in right now," Douglas said. "It's just unfortunate, it's tough, it's been going on for weeks. I still believe in this baseball team. I'm still unwavering."