X-rays on Bryce Harper’s hand negative after hit-by-pitch

Bryce Harper avoided a serious injury despite being hit by a pitch on the hand Friday night.

Harper was hit by a Steven Matz pitch in the top of the third inning of his Philadelphia Phillies’ 5-4 loss to the New York Mets. He went down in pain but remained in the game for the rest of the half inning before being replaced in the field.

Steven Matz nearly impales Bryce Harper at the top of the 3rd. #Phillies #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/xfaU2XyURR

— Philly Influencer (@PHL_Influencer) September 7, 2019

X-rays on Harper’s hand were negative, but according to Phillies reporter Matt Breen, Harper is unsure if he will be able to play on Saturday.

Bryce Harper’s X-Rays were negative. His right hand was wrapped up and he’s unsure if he’ll be able to play on Saturday night. He said he couldn’t grip the bat after being hit tonight.

— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) September 7, 2019

Harper is batting .254 with an .869 OPS this season, his first with the Phillies. He’s on pace for his most strikeouts in a single season.