Playing baseball at the highest level can be extremely demanding from a physical standpoint.
MLB has, unfortunately, seen lots of injuries to high-profile players in the last few weeks.
The number of injured stars is concerning: fans obviously want to see the game’s best players night in and night out.
Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies’ star outfielder and reigning MVP in the National League, is the latest star to join the injured list.
The situation, according to an MLB insider, is starting to become concerning.
“Bryce Harper has a broken left thumb and will be out for a while. Joins a list of stars currently on the IL, including Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Max Scherzer, Salvador Perez, Ozzie Albies, Walker Buehler, Chris Sale and Stephen Strasburg,” Jeff Passan of ESPN tweeted.
Bryce Harper has a broken left thumb and will be out for a while. Joins a list of stars currently on the IL, including Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Max Scherzer, Salvador Perez, Ozzie Albies, Walker Buehler, Chris Sale and Stephen Strasburg.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 26, 2022
You could actually make a quite competitive team of injured players with that list.
Some of them, like Scherzer, are expected to return within the next few days.
The Number Of Injured Stars Is Growing By The Day
Others, however, still have several hurdles to clear.
deGrom, for example, could return after the All-Star break if the Mets decide to take things slow.
Betts has a cracked rib, but should be able to return before the midseason break.
That list doesn’t even include Anthony Rendon, a former MVP candidate and World Series champion, who suffered a wrist injury and is out for the season.
The Phillies will have to work hard to replace Harper’s incredible offensive output.
He is hitting .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs and an excellent .984 OPS.
Will the Phillies be able to stay afloat for as long as Harper is out?
It’s hard to say, but it will be very difficult for them.
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