Bryce Harper stepped into the box against Blake Snell in a matchup between longtime acquaintances who’ve known each other since they were 10. Harper, dealing with an injury, was only available as a DH but still playing at a high level. Snell started him off with an outside off-speed pitch, then stuck with high fastballs. On a 2-2 count, Snell tried to go inside and lost control of the pitch. The ball rode too far in and struck Harper on his left thumb. Harper went down in visible pain, and Snell looked shaken immediately, clearly remorseful for the miss.
As Harper walked off, he was frustrated, clenching his injured hand and shouting at Snell to throw the ball over the plate. But within seconds, the tone changed. Harper waved off any suggestion of intent, saying “I know, I know, it’s my game bro, I get it.” Snell responded with respect, tipping his cap and explaining to the ump it was a mistake. The moment showed how quickly emotions run during competition, and how both players handled it with some understanding. For the Phillies, this is a big concern. Harper appeared to believe the thumb might be broken. With him already limited to DH duties, any long-term absence could have major implications for their playoff hopes.