Bryce Harper leaves Thursday’s game in fifth inning with mid-back spasm

Bryce Harper was removed from Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning with a mid-back spasm, the team announced.

On the NBC Sports Philadelphia telecast, John Kruk pointed out a pickoff play in the third inning that may have triggered his removal from the game. With CJ Abrams on first, starter Aaron Nola softly tossed a ball to first base. It looked like a routine play, but the camera caught Harper wincing and shaking out his back.

An inning later, Harper fielded a ground ball to first off the bat of Dominic Smith. The ball bounced off the base and hit Harper in the face. Smith appeared to make slight contact with Harper as he ran through the base. The play was originally called an error, but changed to a base hit.

Back spasms are no joke, but it’s also possible Rob Thomson is taking the conservative route and getting Harper out of the game before anything weird happens.

Harper previously dealt with back injuries in the 2020 season.

Rodolfo Castro replaced Harper off the bench. Alec Bohm shifted from third base to first base.

Update 10:15 p.m. EST: Here’s what Rob Thomson told reporters about Harper postgame:

Rob Thomson said Bryce Harper is day to day with mid-back spasms. Not sure how he did it, Thomson said.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 11, 2023

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