Why Bryce Harper is not playing for the Phillies against the Pirates?

Bryce Harper will sit out Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates as the Philadelphia Phillies enter the matchup on a two-game skid, following a disappointing series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays — another rough stretch for the club.

“Bryce Harper is out tonight due to a lingering wrist issue that he’s been playing through for awhile, per Rob Thomson. Went to the trainerstoday and said it was bothering him a bit more. Thomson believes it’s a day-to-day situation,” reported Paul Casella on X.

Harper did appear in the series against Toronto, but he struggled at the plate — managing just one home run, two runs, and a single hit over 11 at-bats. His recent hot streak seems to have cooled off, possibly since getting hit by a pitch on the elbow.

Who’s replacing Harper in the lineup?

According to Corey Seidman, Alec Bohm will take over at first base, while Edmundo Sosa will slide into third. Seidman also noted that if Harper’s wrist issue lingers, a top Phillies prospect might get the call.

“If Harper does have to miss more than a few days and requires a stint on the injured list, perhaps the door could crack open for prospect Otto Kemp, who has hit .317/.417/.602 with 19 doubles, 14 homers and 55 RBI in 57 games at Triple A,” Seidman wrote for NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Thomson opens up about Harper’s wrist

Phillies manager Rob Thomson explained the reason for Harper’s absence ahead of the Pirates series and admitted this type of injury is particularly concerning.

“I’ve said it many times, any time with feet or hands it scares me,” Thomson said. “It can affect guys’ swings. Whether they want to admit that or not, I think it does,” he told reporters before the game.