On Friday, Major League Baseball announced the fan vote for starters for the All-Star Game to be held on July 19 at Dodger Stadium. Last year’s NL MVP Bryce Harper won the vote for designated hitter, however he will not play due to a thumb fracture he sustained on June 25. Despite this fact, the fans completely got the vote correct.
Harper is honored by being selected to the All-Star team, his first as a member of the Phillies, but is disappointed that he will not be able to participate. He becomes the first member of the Phillies to be selected starter since Chase Utley eight years ago.
Harper Stats
Harper was tearing up the league before the injury, enjoying one of the best seasons of his 11-year career. Thank goodness for the DH or Harper would have missed most of the season to date since he’s been playing with a torn UCL in his right arm since the middle of April. He is hitting .318 with 15 home runs, 48 RBI and an OPS of .984. He as among the league leaders in each category, and was second in slugging percent.
Harper Staying Home From All-Star Game
While he wishes Harper could be at the All-Star Game, Harper has decided to remain at home and continue to work out, rehab, and enjoy time with his family. Harper is expected back sometime mid-August to early September, in time for the Phillies to continue their playoff chase. Currently they are two games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for the final NL wild card spot.
Harper has been named All-Star seven times, six times as a starter. Harper, who will turn 30 on October 16, has a career batting average of .281 with 282 home runs, 800 RBI, and an OPS of .919.
Bryce Harper selected to All-Star Game despite broken thumb
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