Bryce Harper was forced to exit the game against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the first inning after being hit by a pitch. Harper got drilled on his surgically repaired right elbow by a 95-mph fastball from Braves ace Spencer Strider.
The Phillies won the game against their AL East division rival with a 2-0 final score. However, Harper’s injury ignited a heated debate among MLB fans. Some fans accused Strider of being a “dirty player,” while others argued it was an unfortunate accident and Harper was not wearing his brace.
Here’s a look at the video with some fan reactions from X.
“Spencer Strider is a dirty player and a pedophile,” wrote one fan.
Spencer strider is a dirty player and a pedophile
— Siobhan (@HeavyBalloooon) May 28, 2025
“Intentional, Braves suck,” another fan replied.
Intentional, Braves suck
— deGawd (@HeismanHedley) May 27, 2025
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
“Why is he not wearing a guard?” asked one fan.
Why is he not wearing a guard?
— Joshua Stephenson (@JoshLStephenson) May 27, 2025
“Idk about you, but if I got elbow surgery, I’d be wearing an elbow guard for the rest of my career,” another fan responded.
Idk about you, but if I got elbow surgery, I’d be wearing an elbow guard for the rest of my career….
— G2Tradez (@G2Tradez) May 28, 2025
“Surgically repaired, but no brace? Stupid is as stupid does,” another fan wrote.
Surgically repaired, but no brace? Stupid is as stupid does.
— William Alexander (@thelordstirling) May 28, 2025
“Spencer Strider is a F’ing B’tch!!” one fan chimed in.
Spencer Strider is a F’ing B’tch!!
— ADA (@liveforthose2) May 28, 2025
I want the Mets to face a healthy Harper, dirty Braves.
— 🐯 (@Gambsta) May 28, 2025
This has nothing to do with the surgery.
— #SellTheTeamBob (@DeeFanning2) May 27, 2025
Bryce Harper’s X-Rays Clear After Being Hit By Pitch
Thankfully, the Phillies star has nothing serious to worry about since the X-rays taken at the stadium were negative. Harper had suffered a right elbow contusion, avoiding a fracture or structural damage.
X-rays were negative for Bryce Harper after this hit by pitch.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 27, 2025
He has a right elbow contusion. pic.twitter.com/CTC5YxoWdX
Phillies fans were certainly upset to watch their superstar exit the game. It’s unclear if Harper will play the next couple of games, but the All-Star escaped a brutal injury. Bryce Harper plays a vital role for the Phillies, and an injury is the last thing they want.
The Phillies top the NL East with a strong 35-19 record. Philadelphia is ranked at the top in the week 9 MLB power rankings.
Also Read: “Someone Show This To Gerrit Cole” – Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shocks MLB Fans With Unreal Hustle
