Bryce Harper leaves Phillies game after being hit by pitch in foot, says he’s fine
Joe Girardi and a team trainer quickly removed Harper, who had missed time last spring training after being hit by a pitch in the ankle.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper was pulled from the Phillies’ Grapefruit League game Tuesday after being hit by a pitch, but the team said the outfielder’s exit was just a precaution.
Joe Girardi and a team trainer quickly removed Harper, who had missed time last spring training after being hit by a pitch in the ankle. Tuesday’s pitch, thrown by Minnesota right-hander Sean Poppen, struck Harper on the top of his left foot. Harper grimaced, walked behind the batter’s circle, and returned to the dugout with Girardi’s arm on his back.
“I’m totally fine,” Harper said through a team spokesman.
Girardi said Harper has a contusion on his big toe. He was already scheduled to be off on Thursday, but he will play on Friday in Clearwater against Detroit.
Harper was replaced by Kyle Garlick, an outfielder the Phillies acquired early in camp who is competing for a spot on the opening-day roster. The Phillies are already down one outfielder with Andrew McCutchen out for opening day, so it’s a relief that Harper appears to be OK.
“He’s fine,” Girardi said.