Will Bryce Harper play tonight against Atlanta Braves? Latest update on Philadelphia Phillies star's injury report (May 28, 2025)

Phillies fans got a scare when Bryce Harper left Tuesday's game after a fastball hit his right elbow. It happened in the 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. We all want to know if he plays tonight.

Here's the latest on his injury and what it means for the team.

Bryce Harper's injury scare and latest update

Bryce Harper was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider in the 1st. He grabbed his right elbow and left the game after the trainers came out. Good news came when X-rays showed no broken bones, just a bruise on his elbow. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Harper was hurting but avoided a serious injury.

The team will check Harper again on Wednesday morning to see if he can play tonight against the Braves.

While there's no final word yet, Harper is known for being tough and might try to return quickly. Last year, he played through elbow soreness without missing games, and a similar hit in spring training only left a bruise. The Phillies are being careful since Harper is their best player. Fans are waiting to hear if he'll be back in the lineup tonight.Also Read: Shohei Ohtani enters exclusive Dodgers club with 20th homer—questions swirl around his pitching future

Harper’s history with injuries and Strider matchups

Harper has experienced injuries in the past, once getting hit by a pitch in February 2025, suffering only a small bruise.

He had elbow surgery after the 2022 World Series, missed the start of the 2023 season, but he came back faster than most. Harper always comes back strong, and that is why he is a 2 time MVP.Harper and Braves pitcher Spencer Strider have a fun rivalry. Strider gets the better of Harper in regular season games and holds him to a low batting average. But in playoff games, Harper shines and hits well against Strider, including a home run. Strider said he didn’t mean to hit Harper and was glad it wasn’t worse. With the Phillies leading their division 34-19, Harper’s return is big for them. Fans hope he’s ready to face the Braves again tonight.