Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies’ recently marked $330 million slugger, limped off the field Friday in the wake of being hit in the right ankle by a 96-mph fastball amid a spring preparing diversion in Clearwater, Fla.
It occurred in the 6th inning, after the pitch from Toronto Blue Jays newbie pitcher Trent Thorton. Harper dropped to the ground, gripped the harmed lower leg and came in torment, a report said.
The Phillies determined Harper to have a “right-foot contusion,” after a 3-2 win over Toronto, the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed.
Harper was checked by a mentor and before long limped toward the clubhouse. Starting X-rays were negative, the club said. Harper at that point left the ballpark for increasingly itemized X-rays.
Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler said the group wasn’t excessively stressed over the damage.
“Bryce has a right foot contusion,” Kapler said. “Right now we don’t have reason for major concern, but obviously we want to go inside and take a look first.”
“Certainly extra scary given where we are in camp,” he said. “We’re confident and we understand we have a good club on the field and we’re confident that Bryce is going to be all right.”
Harper was playing his fourth show amusement since marking a record $330 million, 13-year contract. So far he is 0 for 5 of every 10 plate appearances.
Harper had would have liked to play three straight recreations beginning Friday.
“I think it’s a little premature to speculate on lost at-bats or anything like that,” Kapler said. “First and foremost, we probably have to get inside and meet with our medical team and discuss it. But again, not overly concerned right now.”