Bryce Harper Had the Most Bizarre Strikeout of the Year, and Fans Were Baffled

Fans had no idea what the Phillies star was doing during his unorthodox strikeout on Wednesday.

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 😭

— #FireKLong (@MyPhilliesHat) July 20, 2023

He’s sick. pic.twitter.com/jii1tPgFqj

— Alec Maks (@MaksAlec) 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?

— one dozen rats at a keyboard (@PanasonicDX4500) July 20, 2023

bryce harper's controller died

(via @CodifyBaseball)pic.twitter.com/4aqvYHUpLe

— Flippin' Bats Podcast (@FlippinBatsPod) July 20, 2023

Harper ended the game 1-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout and a single as the Phillies lost 5–3 at home.