Harper went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Brewers.
He took Frankie Montas deep in the sixth inning to break open a 1-1 tie, putting Harper one long ball short of his fifth career 30-homer campaign. The veteran slugger has been heating up with the playoffs looming, and over the last 11 games Harper is slashing .386/.426/.727 with six doubles, three homers, seven runs and eight RBI.
Harper went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Mets.
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Harper had gone 128 plate appearances without a home run before smacking a solo shot in the fourth inning. Despite the homerless drought, the slugger has now tallied six multi-hit efforts and nine extra-base hits through 12 September contests. On the season, he's batting .290 with 28 long balls, 82 RBI, 79 runs scored and five steals across 577 plate appearances.
Harper (elbow) will start at first base and bat third Thursday against the Marlins.
Harper had to make an early exit from Wednesday's contest after getting hit in the elbow by a pitch, but his bruise won't be enough to prevent him from playing in Thursday's series opener. Over his last 10 games, the 31-year-old slugger has gone 13-for-34 with two RBI and four runs scored.
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Phillies' Bryce Harper: Departs after HBP
Rotowire
Harper was removed from Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays due to a left elbow contusion, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
The 31-year-old stayed in the game after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow during the first inning, though he was replaced by a pinch hitter for his second plate appearance. Harper is being further evaluated, which could include medical imaging. He should be considered day-to-day until more information is available.
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Phillies' Bryce Harper: Playing through wrist, elbow issues
Rotowire
Harper revealed last week that he's been playing through a sore wrist and sore right elbow, MLB.com reports.
Harper was seen wincing after taking a swing in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays, but he stayed in that game and is back in the lineup Wednesday. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Harper's elbow "grabs a little bit" on swings and misses, but he said his first baseman is "fine" and there are no current plans to give him rest. Harper noted last week that he's battled wrist soreness since May, while the elbow issue is more recent. He's slashing .307/.373/.465 since Aug. 1 but hasn't homered since Aug. 9.
