Reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper is out of the lineup for the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday afternoon, as they look to sweep the Washington Nationals.
An infected blister on the padding of Harper’s left hand right below his index finger was still swollen enough to prevent him from being in the lineup Saturday as well.
When asked if Harper could potentially come off the bench as a pinch hitter, interim manager Rob Thomson said “you never know” with a smile, just as he did prior to Saturday’s game. Harper ultimately didn’t pinch hit in an extra-inning win over the Nationals Saturday, with Thomson admitting after the game that he didn’t end up being available to pinch hit.