Thu May 29 20:00:00 UTC 2025: **Phillies-Braves Doubleheader Set After Rain Delay; Harper’s Status Uncertain**
**PHILADELPHIA, PA** – A well-timed rainout has given Phillies slugger Bryce Harper extra time to recover after being hit by a 95 mph fastball on his right elbow during Wednesday night’s scheduled game against the Atlanta Braves. The game has been postponed and will be played as part of a split-admission doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday.
Harper, who was not expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night, will have his status for the doubleheader determined by the level of swelling in his elbow. However, manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism, citing Harper’s history as a quick healer.
“Whenever one of your top hitters — or your best hitter — gets hit like that, there’s always some concern,” Thomson said. “But he’s a tough guy.”
Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound for the Phillies in the first game of the doubleheader, while Zack Wheeler is slated to start the nightcap. Wheeler will face Braves ace Chris Sale in a rematch of last year’s top two Cy Young Award finishers. Braves will start with righty AJ Smith-Shawver in the first game.
Thomson emphasized that the Phillies are not anticipating any retaliatory actions against Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, who hit Harper. Strider appeared concerned for Harper on the field and later said that he “certainly was not trying to hit him.”
With Harper’s availability uncertain, the Phillies may utilize their entire roster, with lefty hitters Bryson Stott, Max Kepler, and Brandon Marsh potentially starting the matinee game and righty hitters Edmundo Sosa, Weston Wilson, and Johan Rojas likely to feature in the evening game.
The Phillies, currently boasting the best record in baseball at 35-19 and leading the NL East by two games over the Mets, will head to Toronto after Monday’s off day to start a series against the Blue Jays.
First Piper 