We love to highlight how today’s big-league pitchers are throwing faster pitches with more movement than ever before. It’s incredibly impressive and difficult for hitters.
But on the flip side, when you have nearly every pitcher throwing 95-plus mph, you risk a scary incident whenever a batter steps into the box. That happened on Wednesday night with Phillies star Bryce Harper.
Facing Cardinals pitcher Génesis Cabrera with the score tied in the sixth inning, Harper took a 97 mph fastball to the face. The ball appeared to slightly deflect off Harper’s hand before reaching his face, which may have made the difference.
Hoping Bryce Harper is ok. Just took 97 off the face pic.twitter.com/NkDlirTwqv
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) April 29, 2021
Ugh. Thankfully, Harper appears to be OK.
He took to social media after the game to offer an encouraging update.
The biggest W tonight. 👏
(via @bryceharper3 on IG) pic.twitter.com/WYH1wC8MnK
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 29, 2021
“Face is still there,” Harper said as he announced that all the scans came back without issue.
Which is great news for the Phillies. Harper must have a face of steel.
