Phillies star Bryce Harper had MLB fans perplexed on Wednesday after his at-bat during the bottom of the sixth inning vs. the Brewers.
Harper displayed a confusing lack of effort during his at-bat against Milwaukee reliever Hoby Milner, as he struck out looking without ever even appearing as if he was going to swing.
The six-pitch at-bat saw Harper stand almost completely still as the lefthander served him a mixture of sinkers, curveballs, and four-seam fastballs. The former National League MVP didn’t even feign as if he was trying to square up on the ball, as he looked at all six pitches before turning back towards Philadelphia’s dugout.
Fans were bewildered by Harper’s apparent lack of effort, and took to social media in reaction.
ok bryce wtf pic.twitter.com/ZMIVjsWVGx
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 20, 2023
Elite plate appearance here
— Brady (@BradyMangseth) July 20, 2023
Daniel Vogelbach is the most influential athlete of the century
— Diamond Tales (@RSAdiamondtales) July 20, 2023
Is this an in game hold out hold in contract thingy tingy? Im confused
— Zoults (@Zoults) July 20, 2023
bro gave up 😭
— Aaron (@MyPhilliesHat) July 20, 2023
He’s sick. pic.twitter.com/jii1tPgFqj
— Alec Maks (@MaksAlec) July 20, 2023
[please reconnect Player 1 controller] https://t.co/KKvSSVbrLt
— Justin (@j_with_the_pen) July 20, 2023
That was the most bizarre Bryce Harper at bat of his career.
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) July 20, 2023
...is Bryce Harper alright?
— all my teams want me dead (@PanasonicDX4500) July 20, 2023
bryce harper's controller died
— Flippin' Bats Podcast (@FlippinBatsPod) July 20, 2023
(via @CodifyBaseball)pic.twitter.com/4aqvYHUpLe
Harper ended the game 1-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout and a single as the Phillies lost 5–3 at home.
