Bryce Harper hits injured list with wrist inflammation as Phillies enter panic mode

The Philadelphia Phillies placed star first baseman Bryce Harper on the 10–day injured list with right wrist inflammation (retroactive to June 7). This follows the persistent discomfort Bryce Harper has dealt with from the hit-by-pitch on May 27 and a series of atypical struggles at the plate.

As the NL East race tightens, there is growing concern in Philadelphia with the team stuck in a losing slump and no clear timetable for when Harper will be back.

Bryce Harper’s wrist injury adds pressure as Phillies’ offense falters

Adding on to the already staggering blow, is where Bryce Harper lands on the injured list amongst the Phillies. Bryce Harper initially dodged the IL following a 97-mph fastball he took off the wrist against the Braves, but struggled to get going at the plate upon his return to the lineup.

He was 1-for-11 over three games and fanned five times in two games before being shut down for good. Manager Rob Thomson said the move was due to ongoing inflammation and a collective desire to avoid complications from bringing him back too soon.In 57 games this season, Bryce Harper has .258 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs – solid figures, but a notch below his elite production. His .814 OPS is still his worst mark since 2016, so there is a suspicion that his wrist may have been troubling his swing for some time.

With the Phils losing seven of eight, Harper could not have picked a tougher time to be absent. The Phillies' offense has been sputtering of late, and losing their best hitter just compounds the issue of balance for a lineup that simply cannot get going. Additionally, Harper is a leader in the clubhouse — his absence is being missed in more ways than one.

Phillies turn to Otto Kemp and roster shifts to fill the void

The Phils promoted infielder Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to help fill in for Bryce Harper.

In the minor leagues, Kemp has been on a tear, hitting. His line through April reads: .317 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs, which was awarded the International League Player of the Month for April. And while he probably isn’t going to take over at first base right away, his bat could provide a nice jolt off the bench.Alec Bohm will probably move from third to first base, while other depth players will be asked to step up in a big way.

The team also recalled right-hander Daniel Robert and optioned pitcher Alan Rangel in a larger roster reshuffle.Also Read: Bryce Harper warns Phillies on Kyle Schwarber’s future and fans are nervousWhile there is hope within the Phillies organization that Harper's IL stint will be brief, no defined timetable has been established. The team will have to pick up the slack in the absence of its biggest star—and find a way to stay in contention for the postseason, adding the potential to be torpedoed by the NL East race.