The Phillies’ latest win was diluted by their concern for Bryce Harper, who left Tuesday’s series opener against the Braves after being plunked in the elbow with a Spencer Strider fastball in the first inning.
Concerned teammates could breathe a sigh of relief when it was announced that X-Rays on Harper’s elbow came back negative, and he was diagnosed with a contusion, but fans didn’t hold back from their criticism of Strider and the up-and-in pitch that could have sidelined the Phils’ star for a long time.
After the game, the Braves starter insisted that the HBP was not intentional, and that he was concerned for Harper when he saw him doubled over in pain.
“Certainly not trying to hit him,” Strider said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “In the moment, I just assumed he had a guard on and was just pissed that I hit him. Then I saw him in pain, and that was tough. So I'm definitely relieved that's he's OK. He’s one of the best players this century. He needs to be on the field. It’s best for the game, and it’s good for us. It’s good to compete against him.”
Strider repeated that it wasn’t intentional and that he hopes Harper knows it was “nothing personal,” and added that he feels Citizens Bank Park feels like a “home ballpark” with how much he has pitched here in recent years, and the sarcastic chants of his name that he hears when he’s on the mound.
On Tuesday, it was all boos for Strider after plunking Harper.
“I’m not a complete sociopath, so I have some empathy,” Strider said. “I do feel bad for him, to see a person in pain that I caused. But I’ve still got a job to do.”