Phillies' Bryce Harper out of starting lineup for Game 1 vs. Braves
May 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) is looked at by Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) and trainer Joe Rauch after being hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Phillies star first baseman Bryce Harper and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. were not in the starting lineups for Game 1 of a doubleheader on Thursday in Philadelphia.
Harper was drilled in his right elbow in the first inning of the Phillies' 2-0 victory over the Braves on Tuesday. The team announced that the two-time National League MVP sustained a contusion and that X-rays were negative.
Wednesday's game was postponed due to inclement weather, resulting in a split doubleheader on Thursday.
It was not immediately known whether Harper would be available for later in the first game or the second game.
Alec Bohm moved to first base to start the first game, with Edmundo Sosa starting at third base.
Harper, 32, is hitting .267 with eight homers and 33 RBIs in 54 games this season.
Acuna, 27, got a rest after playing in four straight contests following his return from an ACL injury that kept him sidelined for nearly year.
Stuart Fairchild started in right field in place of Acuna, who is 5-for-16 with two homers and three RBIs in four games.
--Field Level Media
- FIBA Women’s World Cup Picks: Back Team USA and Germany in Tuesday’s Action
- Dana White's Contender Series Week 5 Predictions and Picks
- Reds vs. Dodgers Prediction: Why the Dodgers Run Line Is Tuesday’s Best Bet
- 3 NFL Futures Bets to Make Before the 2026 Season Begins
- Blue Jays vs. Athletics Prediction, Odds and Best Bets for Labor Day
- MLB Best Bets Today: Picks for Phillies vs. Braves, Yankees vs. Padres and Diamondbacks vs. Astros
- College Football Sunday Best Bets: Three More Picks for Week 1
