Watch: Bryce Harper avoids injury after scary tumble

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Phillies star Bryce Harper avoids injury after scary tumble

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/30/24

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper gave fans a major scare on Saturday after taking a tumble that could have resulted in a catastrophic injury.

Early during the Phillies matchup with the rival Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, Harper dangerously fell head-over-heels into the first-base side camera well while attempting to catch a foul ball.

Bryce Harper remained in the game after falling over the railing and into the first base dugout pic.twitter.com/iDtMLIENl9
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 30, 2024

Those nearby rushed to Harper's side, expecting the worst. However, the multiple-time MVP dusted himself off and returned to the field before anyone else could make a fuss.

Reports from the field said Harper, at the very least, suffered a cut on his hand. Though, other than that, he appeared no worse for the wear.

Bryce Harper at the very least cut his index finger on his glove hand which was bleeding

Could have been a lot worse https://t.co/i4DzzXemem pic.twitter.com/BSexqiWWxr
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) March 30, 2024

Over the last two seasons, Harper has missed significant time with injury. In 2023, he started the year on the IL and missed roughly a month after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November 2022.

No one will fault Harper for going all out for a foul ball. But surely the Phillies would prefer that their $330M man isn't taking headers onto concrete in game two of a 162-game season.

Regardless, Harper seems fine. This is excellent news for the Phillies, whose hope rests on his shoulders despite the depth of talent surrounding him.

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