As the Phillies secured their spot in the NLCS, they used their clubhouse celebrations to take a playful jab at the Braves during their post-game revelry. After their victory on Thursday, some of the Philadelphia players were seen sporting humorous shirts during the festivities in the Braves’ clubhouse and Orlando Arcia’s clubhouse, making light of the viral comments made during the eventful season.
Inside the Phillies’ locker room, various players donned shirts in different colors, featuring “Congratulations Harper” in bold red lettering. It was a fun way to celebrate their star player. At the end of Game 2, after Bryce Harper’s costly error, the shortstop had direct words for the Braves and Arcia while celebrating in the clubhouse. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Phillies players poured beer on Harper and chanted “Congratulations Harper” during the celebration.
Harper’s Spectacular Redemption:Â
Harper responded with a stellar performance in Game 3, which included an exciting slide with Arcia during a heated play. Harper’s team continued the banter on Thursday night, celebrating their postseason elimination of division rivals while wearing their champagne-splattered shirts. Philadelphia- Bryce Harper briefly left Game 4 of the National League Division Series when it appeared he suffered a right knee injury during a pivotal play in the eighth inning on Thursday night.
During a play, the Atlanta Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman, collided with Bryce Harper as he ran to first base. Harper fielded the ball after making a catch from second baseman Dansby Swanson, but he hurt his right knee during the play. After catching the ball and making the out at first base, Harper injured his right knee while taking a step.
Harper Forced to Leave Game Amidst Injury Concerns
Following the injury, Harper had to exit the game due to the discomfort. He later returned to the bench, sliding under the opening after the third out. Last year, Harper underwent surgery on his right knee to repair a torn ligament. After the surgery, Harper made a remarkable comeback and rejoined the Phillies in the May 2023 season.
In the Phillies’ victory against the Braves in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), Harper played a significant role, securing two wickets and contributing to a 3-1 victory. He hit a total of three home runs in the series, including two in Game 3, during which Braves’ shortstop Orlando Arcia had humorously commented on Harper’s performance following his error in Game 2.
The NLCS Game 1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks is scheduled to begin on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Phillies’ star Bryce Harper narrowly escaped a severe arm/shoulder injury during Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. Harper’s run to the top of the bleachers helped set the final record from the top during the series, but unfortunately, his knee collided with Braves’ first baseman O’Neil’s ground.
Concerns Arise as Harper Clutches Shoulder in Game
Though Harper immediately clutched his shoulder and appeared to be in pain, he later stated that he was completely fine, saying, “I’m good. It hit my funny bone. I’m all good,” to a TBS sideline reporter. It’s worth remembering that Harper had surgery on his shoulder last year, which kept him out until May this season. His recovery was impressively fast, setting a record for any position player in terms of recovery time, but he remained cautious about returning to the field until July.
In Game 4, Harper was pulled from the lower part of the ninth inning (there was no batting schedule for him), but the Phillies’ season was a win away from reaching the NLCS once more. Harper retreated to the dugout during the bottom of the ninth inning of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, securing a place in the National League Championship Series with a 3-1 victory in the series against the Braves in four games.
Harper’s Quick Recovery Sets Him Up for Game Day
Harper’s recovery from his arm/shoulder is apt for him to be in the starting lineup for Game 1 on Wednesday night with the Braves. With an impressive batting line of .353/.500/.882 through five post-season games this year, his 1.382 OPS is extraordinary. Harper has consistently excelled in the postseason. While he doesn’t have a World Series title to his name, he has made no mistakes in his post-season career. He was named NLCS MVP in 2022, finally, he kept his career OPS after the season beyond 1.010, which is amazing in his own right.
It raises the question: how good has Harper’s post-season career been?
He has created 14 home runs during his post-season career. This places him in the 18th position at all times. Harper is 30 years old. Apart from two players, Carlos Beltran and George Brett, who had a better home run rate than Harper. It is worth noting that Harper is the only Phillies player who has a career post-season OPS of at least .800, Kyle Schwarber
Turner’s Hot Start in the Playoffs Leaves a Mark.
While Trea Turner has had a hot start to his Phillies’ post-season career, securing four extra-base hits in only five games, his post-season slugging percentage was only .319 before joining Philadelphia. These deals are hot at the right time, and if Turner maintains this pace, the Phillies have a much better chance of winning.
When do the Phillies play next?
 The Harper-led Phillies will be at home in Citizens Bank Park against their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves, who led the MLB season with 104 wins. NLDS Game 4: Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Troubles, selections, and predictions.
Sports Info: Golden Knights Triumph
