“It's always the thugs on the Blue Jays”; “Not an accident” - Phillies fans lash out as Bryce Harper exits game after taking a hit by Bowden Francis 

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was forced to exit the game early on Wednesday after he took one for the team against Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis. During the first inning, Francis threw a 93 mph fastball that caught Haper on his left elbow. The Phillies star was seen struggling in pain as he trodded to first base.

Harper remained in the game for the first and second innings but was forced to exit due to his injury. Edmond Sosa stepped in to pinch-hit for Harper during the third inning. The Phillies All-Star sustained an elbow contusion and the team is yet to get an update on his injury.

Phillies fans have always shown great support for their players, as they are known to be frank, even if a player performs poorly. At the same time, they don't hold back from pouring in their support when a player gets hurt or hit-by-pitch.

Reacting to the incident, fans lashed out at the Blue Jays for hitting their star player.

Here's a look at some of the fan reactions from X.

"It's always the thugs on the Blue Jays," wrote one fan on X.

"Not an accident," responded another fan.

"Typical Blue Jays," wrote another fan.

Comments continued to flow as several fans believed that he was intentionally hit.

"That looks intentional," one fan responded.

"Looked kinda intentional," another fan chipped in.

"Get this thug off the mound he’s intentionally hitting him," one fan chimed in.

Bryce Harper's injury comes at a crucial time for the Phillies

It's the beginning of September, and there is a little less than a month remaining for the postseason. Bryce Harper's injury comes at a time when the Phillies need him the most.

Harper was in pain after taking a swing in Tuesday's game. He has been playing despite wrist and elbow struggles. But the eight time All-Star is not too keen on taking a break with the division not secured yet.

“I just don’t know how good I’ll feel if I take one or two days,” Harper said.

"Obviously, we’re not far enough in this division to take the days and do those types of things,” Harper said about taking rest. “Maybe once we get there, hopefully we’ll get a couple days. But obviously we want to win this division, we want to check off that main goal of ours. Once we get there, we’ll see.”

Phillies fans hope there is nothing serious with postseason looming as they hope to see a healthy Bryce Harper at the plate soon.