Fansided

MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper punishment, Braves history, Tim Anderson lip-reading

By Mark Powell

DENVER, CO - MAY 14: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up before batting in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 14, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MAY 14: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up before batting in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 14, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors
DENVER, CO – MAY 14: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up before batting in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 14, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. MLB Rumors (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Should Bryce Harper expect punishment?

Despite missing a month of action, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper could enter the NL MVP conversation shortly. Harper’s numbers since returning to the lineup have been otherworldly. He underwent Tommy John surgery just five months ago, only to return in record timing and not miss a beat.

During Sunday’s game in Colorado, Harper got heated. Harper chirped at Rockies reliever Jake Bird, which led to a benches-clearing incident at Coors Field. Rob Thomson loved every minute of it, stating that Harper is a real leader in the clubhouse and willing to stick up for his teammates.

“You never want to see your star players get thrown out of the game, but he’s protecting his teammates,” Thomson told FanSided’s Kevin Henry. “That’s what this group does. They protect each other. They fight for each other. I’m proud of him for it. He’s an emotional guy and he was sticking up for his teammates.”

As to whether he should expect some sort of punishment, a fine could be in Harper’s future, as well as Bird’s. Rob Manfred and MLB rarely let incidents like what occurred on Sunday happen without retribution.

“I never want to put myself in the danger of getting hurt or anything like that. But, like I said, when anybody does anything to my teammates or anything like that, I just don’t agree with that. And that’s how I react when people come after my team or anything else,” Harper said postgame.

Had Harper thrown a bunch, he would have put himself at risk. Thankfully, the conflict died down without much violence.

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