May 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) looks on during a ninth inning light show in a game against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
Migraines have been the achilles heel of the 2026 Phillies.
Bryce Harper was the latest Phillie to be hit with a migraine, being removed in favor of Felix Reyes in the bottom of the first inning of Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies with a migraine.
Harper is the third Phillie this season to have their availability affected by a migraine.
Andrew Painter had to be scratched from his scheduled start on April 12 against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a migraine, but he ultimately came on to pitch five innings in relief that day despite "throwing up all morning."
Then last Saturday, Justin Crawford had to be scratched in Miami with a migraine, forcing the Phillies to go with the unique outfield alignment of Garrett Stubbs in left field, Adolis García in center field and Reyes in right field.
Obviously, no one is suggesting that the players shouldn't have missed time with the migraines, it's just a strange coincidence to have had three players have their game status affected by getting one in the matter of a month.
Presumably, Harper will be good to go for Sunday's series finale with the Rockies, but we'll know more when interim manager Don Mattingly speaks after the game.
