Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper fell short of being voted as an MLB All-Star Game starter, the league announced on Thursday afternoon. Harper lost the final vote for the NL All-Star DH spot to Los Angeles Dodgers’ DH J.D. Martinez.
Your starting designated hitter for the NL, J.D. Martinez! pic.twitter.com/54ewjrIiOb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 29, 2023
It was an uphill battle for Harper who missed the first quarter of the season recovering from off-season Tommy John surgery. Since returning to the lineup, the Phillies’ slugger is slashing .278/.380/.383 with 3 HRs, 10 2Bs, and 20 RBIs over 48-games. Noticeably absent from Harper’s stat line are the power numbers which is leaving him visibly frustrated at-times.
There’s still an outside chance for Harper to join the 2023 NL All-Star roster, however. Phillies’ manager Rob Thomson will manage the National League All-Stars leaving open an opportunity for the former NL MVP to make his 8th All-Star Game appearance.
Reserve rosters will be unveiled alongside the pitchers for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game on Sunday, July 2 at 5:30 PM/EDT on ESPN.
The 2023 MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 11 from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, WA. First pitch is set for 8:00 PM/EDT with the game telecast on FOX Sports.
