Bryce Harper, a first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, was named the first National League representative in the MLB All-Star Game on Thursday. However, when Harper’s fans awakened on Friday, the All-Star selection was the last thing from their minds.
As the Phillies lost to the Miami Marlins on Thursday, Harper ran out a game-ending groundout and came up limp, clutching his left hamstring:

The actual severity of Harper’s injuries and the amount of time he will miss as a result remain uncertain. Manager Rob Thomson informed reporters after the game that any updates would be given on Friday.

Any extended absence for Harper would be a blow to the Phillies, who have the best record in MLB (53-28). Harper, 31, is hitting.303 with.399 on-base percentage and.582 slugging percentage. His 20 home runs and 58 RBIs (in only 76 games) put him on track for a monstrous season that will rank among the finest of his illustrious 13-year career.
Harper, a two-time MVP, has won over Philadelphia fans with both his on-field performance and his off-field demeanour. He has guided the Phillies to back-to-back National League Championship Series berths, and this year has them on course to make it three in a row. The squad has not won the World Series since 2008.
Given this context, it’s no wonder that Harper led all National League players in All-Star ballots when the first round of voting concluded Thursday. As a result, Harper earned his sixth fan-voted starting assignment (second only to Mike Trout among active players) and became the first Phillies first baseman to win the fan vote since John Kruk in 1993.

All-Star voting will now enter Phase 2, which begins on Sunday. The top two Phase 1 finishers at each position (except NL first base) and the top six outfielders will progress to Phase 2. Aaron Judge, the American League’s top vote-getter, also received a starting assignment Thursday.

The All-Star Game takes place on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. It’s nearly hard to predict whether Harper will play in baseball’s annual midsummer blockbuster without knowing whether he’ll be on the injured list.

The Phillies are also considering life without leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber, who experienced groin tightness in the eighth inning of Thursday’s game against the Marlins. Schwarber is hitting.250 with 17 home runs.