Bryce Harper was hit by a fastball from Spencer Strider that struck his elbow during a recent game, stirring tension ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies’ next encounter with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. This incident has escalated the rivalry between the two teams, with anticipation growing that the Phillies may seek retaliation, possibly targeting Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr.

Potential Retaliation Targets Braves’ Key Player Ronald Acuna Jr.

The Phillies appear likely to respond after Harper’s painful hit by Strider’s 95 mph pitch, even though reports suggest the pitch was not thrown with malicious intent. In professional baseball, when one team’s top player is injured by a pitch, it is common for the opposing squad to retaliate by “sending a message” to the other team’s top player.

Trevor Plouffe, former Minnesota Twins infielder, weighed in on the brewing conflict, acknowledging the Phillies’ inclination to seek payback. Plouffe emphasized that although Spencer Strider did not intentionally target Harper, the pitch was meant to intimidate and control the batter’s stance. He also noted the importance of protecting one’s team.

“I agree that I think they will retaliate. I don’t think Spencer Strouder hit him on purpose,” Plouffe said via Chris Rose Sports. “There was intent to go up and in to maybe move the feet. And sometimes you got to protect your player. So maybe I’m going back on things I’ve said before about I don’t want guys to hit. I don’t want that to happen because I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“Because surely the guy that’s going to get hit is not Spencer Strouder. It’s going to be someone that has nothing to do with this at all,” he added.

Despite the regret over any injury, Plouffe suggested the Phillies’ retaliation, if executed correctly, could be understandable. He mentioned Acuna Jr. as the probable target for the Phillies’ response.

“I think this is one of those times where, as long as it’s done the right way, I wouldn’t necessarily have a problem with it. If they go out and hit Acuña in the b**t, I think a message is sent, and that’s it — it’s over.”

What Could Come Next: Zack Wheeler Might Deliver the Retaliation Pitch

With Plouffe’s remarks in mind, Ronald Acuna Jr. will likely face extra caution when he steps up to bat against Philadelphia’s ace pitcher Zack Wheeler on Thursday. Wheeler, known for his competitive edge, may be the one to throw the retaliatory pitch that the Phillies feel this situation demands.

During the same discussion, when Chris Rose asked about the umpires’ role if retaliation occurs, Plouffe suggested it is a “feel” situation where officials should avoid stepping in prematurely, allowing the players to handle the matter within the unwritten rules of baseball.

“This is a feel situation,” Plouffe said. “I feel like, okay, where did it hit him? You know, obviously if he hits him on the first pitch, they know it’s with intent. But there are times when the umpires just need to get the freak out of the way, Chris.”

While the possibility of intentional retaliation raises concerns about player safety, it also highlights the deep-seated traditions in baseball where teammates look out for one another, and teams uphold solidarity through such gestures.

This developing storyline between the Phillies and Braves could intensify their rivalry further, with the upcoming game serving as a critical moment to watch for how tensions unfold on the field. The outcome may shape future interactions between these teams, setting the tone for retaliation and sportsmanship in the ongoing contest.