2 key hitters are set to return for Phillies

The Phillies offense will get a boost Friday. Bryce Harper (wrist) and Jean Segura (quad) are in the lineup for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Segura was activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday afternoon and spent a part of this week on a rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley. He went 3-for-4 with a double in two games.

“I’m excited to have both back,” Girardi said pregame. “Before they went down, they were swinging the bat great. Both were extremely hot, getting big hits for us and obviously, they’re staples in our lineup that we’ve been missing.”

Girardi is unsure if Harper’s wrist will act up again. It’s still pretty remarkable to think that after getting hit in the face with a high 90s sinker against the Cardinals, his left wrist is the issue. The ball had hit him around the cheek and nose and ricocheted off the wrist.

“I think it feels pretty good, but you know, it’s like what happens if he takes a swing and it’s funny, I can’t tell you,” Girardi said. “But he did everything he needed to do and he felt comfortable enough to declare himself as ready to go. Just hope he doesn’t fall backwards again.”

Harper reaggravating the wrist would put the Phillies in another bad spot. They operated a man short off the bench since Monday after the Phillies slugger returned to action Sunday and felt discomfort after a swing in his second-to-last at-bat of the game.

In a more positive light, the Phillies are glad that the injury is a short-term problem as opposed to something much more serious.

“You’re talking about a couple inches up or a couple inches over to either side and you know, we might be having a different conversation,” Harper said on April 30. “I was just very fortunate to be able call my wife and tell her I’m OK and my family and see my teammates and the way they reacted as well. Very fortunate to be here.”

Phillies vaccine update

Major League Baseball recently announced that 83 percent of Tier 1 staff (players, coaches, athletic trainers, etc.) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For a team to qualify for relaxed COVID-19 protocols, 85 percent of a club’s Tier 1 staff must be fully vaccinated. The protocols include not having to wear contact tracing devices as well as masks in the dugout. Players would also be allowed to participate in group activities in the clubhouse. Individuals who are vaccinated no longer have to quarantine if they come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

So far, 12 MLB teams have reached the threshold. Five teams are already enjoying their new protocols and seven teams are set to become eligible within the next two weeks.

The Phillies are not among those teams.

“We’re not there and that is why you see us all in masks,” Girardi said. “I’m not sure if we’ll get there or not because all along I have said it’s a person’s choice whether they want to get vaccinated or not. I’m vaccinated, so I’m still careful, but I feel better about it, but we’re not there yet.”

Archie Bradley and Matt Moore are the only Phillies players who have publicly confirmed that they have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Rhys Hoskins stated his intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it was made available to him during the team’s previous trip to Atlanta. Girardi is fully vaccinated.

Starting Lineups

Phillies

1. Andrew McCutchen, left field
2. Rhys Hoskins, first base
3. Bryce Harper, right field
4. J.T. Realmuto, catcher
5. Alec Bohm, third base
6. Didi Gregorius, shortstop
7. Jean Segura, second base
8. Odúbel Herrera, center field
9. Zach Eflin, pitcher

Braves

1. Ronald Acuña Jr., right field
2. Freddie Freeman, first base
3. Marcell Ozuna, left field
4. Ozzie Albies, second base
5. Austin Riley, third base
6. William Contreras, catcher
7. Dansby Swanson, shortstop
8. Cristian Pache, center field
9. Charlie Morton, pitcher

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