The Philadelphia Phillies continue their strong 2024 campaign as they prepare to face the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Citizens Bank Park. One key factor ahead of the matchup is the availability of Bryce Harper, who left Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves after being struck on the elbow by a fastball.
Initial X-rays confirmed that Harper avoided structural damage, but the elbow remained swollen and sore, forcing him out of Thursday’s lineup. The injury raised concerns given Harper’s surgical history, particularly after his 2022 procedure on the same elbow.
Philadelphia, leading the National League in wins, has chosen to take a cautious approach. Harper’s bat and leadership are vital to the team’s success, but with postseason ambitions in sight, the club is placing a premium on full recovery over immediate returns.
Is Bryce Harper playing tonight against the Brewers?
As of Friday afternoon, the Phillies have not provided an official update confirming Harper’s availability for the game. While he has reportedly shown improvement and decreased swelling, he had not yet resumed hitting activity as of Thursday. Until further notice, Harper remains considered day to day.
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on April 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
If Harper is unavailable, the Phillies may shuffle their infield, potentially moving Alec Bohm to first base and inserting Edmundo Sosa or another utility infielder into the starting lineup. The club has maintained a cautious approach, prioritizing player health over short-term gains—especially with Harper’s importance to their postseason aspirations.
see also
Bryce Harper sends strong message about Phillies teammate: ‘He’s one of our main guys’
Projected Phillies lineup vs Brewers
- Bryson Stott – 2B
- Trea Turner – SS
- Kyle Schwarber – DH
- Alec Bohm – 1B
- Nick Castellanos – RF
- Max Kepler – LF
- Edmundo Sosa – 3B
- Brandon Marsh – CF
- Rafael Marchán – C
- Starting Pitcher: Taijuan Walker
