Bryce Harper Back in Action for Phillies After Arm Bruise

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is set to reclaim his spot in the lineup on Friday, just two days after taking a pitch to the arm. The slugger will return to his familiar role at first base and bat second in the order as the Phillies take on the Boston Red Sox. His swift comeback underscores his resilience and the team’s confidence in his readiness to contribute, keeping Philadelphia’s potent offense on track.
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The incident occurred when Harper was struck on the right arm by a 92 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays southpaw Richard Lovelady, leaving him with a noticeable bruise. Despite the scare, Phillies manager Rob Thomson downplayed any long-term worries, noting that Harper’s absence on Thursday was a planned rest day rather than a cause for alarm. “We’re not really overconcerned at all,” Thomson told reporters, signaling that Harper’s return is business as usual for the team.