Although Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper will not play Friday night time in opposition to the New York Mets due to a sore wrist, he stated he’s grateful he is not lacking extra time after getting hit within the face by a 96.9 mph fastball on Wednesday.
“I undoubtedly had an angel on my aspect on the market that night time,” Harper stated in a Zoom convention name with reporters. “I am tremendous excited and blessed to have this dialog with you guys proper now.”
St. Louis Cardinals reliever Genesis Cabrera hit Harper on the left aspect of his face earlier than the ball deflected onto his wrist. Although he had blood close to his nostril, Harper walked off the sphere on his personal. He was taken to the hospital for a scan, which got here up clear.
“The primary 30 minutes to an hour after, I used to be sort of frightened,” Harper stated. “What is going on on with my head? What occurring with my face, my physique? Am I going to be OK? It was undoubtedly a whirlwind of feelings on the time.”
Harper stated he had a stressed night time, questioning how a lot worse it might have been for him.
“I used to be in numerous ache,” he stated. “I did not sleep nicely that night time in any respect. And simply the replaying in my thoughts the entire scenario, pondering, you are speaking a few couple inches up or a pair inches over, we is likely to be having a unique scenario.”
Harper stated he awoke to a textual content message from Cardinals supervisor Mike Shildt, sending get-well needs from the entire group. Harper responded, wanting to ensure Cabrera was doing OK, as nicely.
“It occurs,” Harper stated. “I’ve no unwell will in direction of him in any respect.”
Harper indicated he was feeling tremendous however did not need to push getting again within the lineup. He stated his wrist is sore and is the larger situation than getting hit within the face.
“I do not need to be dumb and go on the market and play simply to look powerful,” Harper stated. “There have been so many instances the place I’ve completed that.”
Additionally Friday, the Phillies positioned shortstop Didi Gregorius on the COVID-related harm record and recalled catcher Rafael Marchan from the alternate coaching web site. Catcher J.T. Realmuto (sore hand) was dropped from Friday’s lineup in opposition to the Mets.