Why Bryce Harper is out of the lineup Tuesday against Mets

NEW YORK — Panic ensued when the Phillies lineup was released on Tuesday afternoon without Bryce Harper.

The Phillies say this is just a day off for Harper, who has started in every game since coming off the injured list on May 2.

“We were going to give him two days,” Rob Thomson said before Tuesday’s game. “So it was either going to be Sunday or today and he wanted to go Sunday. This will be the second day.”

Harper is 0-for-10 over the past three games against the Braves after starting off the series 3-for-4 with a home run. He’s slashing .306/.406/.482 in 85 at-bats so far this season.

The timing of Harper’s night off is a bit strange. The off day on Monday gives him two consecutive days off his feet, but the Phillies are facing right-handed starter Kodai Senga in a huge division matchup against the Mets.

The Phillies went 5-14 against the Mets in 2022 and have something to prove. It’s tough to take Harper out, but if that’s the plan, it is what it is.

Here are the starting lineups for Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets:

Phillies

1. Bryson Stott, second base
2. Trea Turner, shortstop
3. Nick Castellanos, right field
4. Kyle Schwarber, designated hitter
5. J.T. Realmuto, catcher
6. Alec Bohm, third base
7. Brandon Marsh, center field
8. Kody Clemens, first baseb
9. Dalton Guthrie, left field

Starting Pitcher: LHP Ranger Suárez

Mets

1. Brandon Nimmo, center field
2. Francisco Alvarez, catcher
3. Francisco Lindor, shortstop
4. Pete Alonso, first base
5. Mark Vientos, designated hitter
6. Starling Marte, right field
7. Jeff McNeil, second base
8. Tommy Pham, left field
9. Eduardo Escobar, third base

Starting Pitcher: RHP Kodai Senga

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