Phillies' Harper to have surgery on thumb

Phillies slugger Bryce Harper will have surgery today to repair his broken left thumb and the team hopes the 2021 NL MVP can play again this season.

Manager Rob Thomson did not offer a timetable for Harper's return.

“It's tough, but it's probably the best thing for him. So whatever's best for him is best for me,” Thomson said Tuesday. “If he's able to come back, which we plan on, then that's good under the circumstances.”

Harper's thumb was broken when he was hit by a 97 mph pitch from San Diego Padres left-hander Blake Snell on Saturday night.

The 29-year-old Harper is hitting .318 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and a .985 OPS, and has helped the Phillies recently surge back into playoff contention.

The Phillies opened a three-game series Tuesday night against Atlanta.

“I've got to be positive for the guys in here. I know they'll pick up the slack. I'm just really bummed for the organization, the guys, the city of Philadelphia, the fans. I love running out there and playing every day. Definitely bummed,” Harper said after the injury.

Harper checked his swing as the pitch rode inside and high toward his shoulder before hitting him on the outside of the left hand in the fourth inning. He fell to the ground and was in pain as he held his hand while on his knees for several minutes.

“I think this is probably what's best for him although it's a broken bone and that's bad; he's not happy about that, not being able to play because he wants to play, “Thomson said. “But he's looking forward to getting back (near) the end of the year.”

The Phillies' Bryce Harper will have surgery today to repair a broken thumb.

Astros' Brantley on IL with shoulder issue

The Houston Astros have placed five-time AllStar Michael Brantley on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort.

The team announced the move Tuesday prior to a game against the New York Mets. Brantley left Houston's 6-3 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday in the eighth inning. He was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts before being replaced by pinch-hitter J.J. Matijevic.

The 35-year-old outfielder is hitting .288 with five homers and a .785 OPS in 64 games this season.

Outfielder Chas McCormick was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land two days after being demoted. Right-hander Enoli Paredes was also called up, and right-hander Brandon Bielak was optioned to Triple-A after Sunday's defeat.

Jansen on IL with irregular heartbeat

The Braves on Tuesday placed Kenley Jansen on the injured list with an irregular heartbeat. The Braves made the move retroactive to June 27.

Jansen has managed an irregular heartbeat for a long time, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Braves on Monday made the decision to put him on the injured list. They expect this to be a short injuredlist stint.

While he's on the injured list now, Jansen can still throw bullpen sessions and keep his arm going.

That is why the Braves believe this will be a short stint.