Phillies retaliating would be 'right thing to do' after Braves plunked Bryce Harper: Former GM
Bryce Harper and Spencer Strider
Ruben Amaro Jr. wants payback for Spencer Strider plunking Bryce Harper.
The ex-Phillies general manager called for “retaliation” after the Braves ace hit Harper in the elbow with a 95 mph fastball on Tuesday night.
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“Here’s the thing, I mean, Strider, for me, is a guy. He’s already had three hit-by-pitch hit batsmen this year,” Amaro said on the Phillies’ postgame show. “This year, he does not have the same command. Now, is there a purpose behind this pitch? Probably wanted to get in. Probably doesn’t have the command to get in. But someone will pay for that, I gotta believe.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) is hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“There’s a lot of baseball to play against the Atlanta Braves, and I will tell you that somebody on that mound will do the job by retaliating. I’m not sure when. They have plenty of time to do it. But it certainly should happen, because, for me, even if it wasn’t purposeful to hit him, I think that retaliation is the right thing to do.”
Harper left the game after getting hit, although X-rays after the game came back negative.
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He was diagnosed with an elbow contusion.
Strider insisted after the game that there was no intention behind the pitch.
Atlanta Braves’ Spencer Strider reacts after hitting Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper with a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Philadelphia. AP
Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledges the crowd during the Philadelphia Phillies World Series victory celebration at the ballpark in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in October 31, 2008. REUTERS
“I’m not a complete sociopath, so I have some empathy,” Strider said. “I do feel bad for him, to see a person in pain that I caused … I’m certainly not trying to hit him … I was just pissed I hit him. I saw him in pain and that was tough. I’m definitely relieved he is OK.
“He’s one of the best players of this century. So he needs to be on the field. That’s best for the game and it’s good for us. It’s good to compete against him.”
The two teams are slated to play a doubleheader on Thursday.
