Phillies’ Bryce Harper Talks Elbow, Wrist Injuries: ‘Hopefully It Gets Better’

Jack MurrayAugust 30, 2024

Heather Barry/Getty Images

Bryce Harper has shared a glimpse at the current state of his elbow and wrist injuries.

The Philadelphia Phillies star acknowledged that his wrist and elbow have been bothering him during the 2024 season but that he hopes the conditions improve and will not make them an excuse.

“I don’t want to make excuses for what I do,” Harper said, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.”You know what I’m saying? I’ve just got to get through it. Hopefully it gets better, rather than getting worse. [The wrist’s] finally getting to the point where I feel like it’s turning a corner. My elbow is just like — there.”

He elaborated by saying that he doesn’t blame the injuries for his lackluster power and that he simply has to just push through the injuries.

“I don’t want to make excuses for the way I’m playing,” Harper said, per Zolecki. “I just want to make sure that if I can play, then I’m good. If it continues to go the right way, then yeah, we’re good. On both ends. Sometimes you’ve got to play through crap. You know? All good.”

Harper is hitting .278/.369/.520 with 26 home runs and 76 RBIs. These are strong numbers on the surface, but a strong first half was a major factor in his current standing. He is hitting just .230 with five home runs and 50 RBIs since the All-Star break.

While his injuries could make it difficult to reach his previous pace, his strong supporting cast with the Phillies can ease his burden. Philadelphia is 79-55 and possesses the second-best record in MLB. The Phillies currently have the fourth-best batting average and fourth-best ERA in MLB.

As Harper and the Phillies look towards September and beyond, they will hope he can have some improved health.