Rob Thomson Explains Why Phillies Didn't Retaliate vs. Braves for Bryce Harper Injury

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters that his team didn't retaliate against the Atlanta Braves after Spencer Strider hit Bryce Harper with a pitch Tuesday because he didn't believe it was intentional.

"Because it's not on purpose...simple as that," Thompson said Thursday.

"I mean, if I think somebody is throwing at one of our hitters, you know, I don't know what I'd do, but if it's a pitch that gets away from a pitcher, which I believe it was, and I think that everybody in that clubhouse thinks it was...that's baseball, it happens."

In the first inning of the Phillies' 2-0 home win over Atlanta, Strider hit Harper with a 95 mph fastball on the right elbow.

Harper walked away from the batter's box in clear pain before going to his knees as medical staff attended to the superstar. He then exited the game, and Edmundo Sosa took his place in the lineup.

Harper's X-rays came back negative, per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was diagnosed with a bruised right elbow.

The Phillies and Braves were rained out on Wednesday, setting up a doubleheader on Thursday. Harper is not in the lineup for Game 1, set for 1:05 p.m. ET, but he's a possibility for Game 2, Thomson told reporters.

Harper, an eight-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger, is hitting .267 (.825 OPS) with eight home runs and 33 RBI for a 35-19 Phillies team sporting the National League's best record.