Phillies Boss Sends Bryce Harper Message With Gesture After Brutal Loss

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 08: Trea Turner # 7 of the Philadelphia Phillies and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski smile during their press conference at Citizens Bank Park on December 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has spent decades around winning baseball clubs, so he understands that the moments immediately following a crushing loss can reveal just as much about a team's direction as any trade or transaction.

After another frustrating defeat for the Phillies on Friday at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles, the veteran executive delivered a message that didn't require a press conference. Instead, it came through a simple gesture toward the club's biggest star.

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The Phillies had another opportunity slip away Friday night in brutal fashion as the bullpen gave up a lead, continuing a stretch that has placed increasing pressure on a club once viewed as a clear National League contender.

Franchise superstar Bryce Harper contributed early with a single but he struck out with a runner in scoring position later in the game and the team suffered another loss in what has been a harsh skid following the All-Star break.

With Dombrowski, owner John Middleton and several other team officials in attendance at Camden Yards, it seemed the front office boss wanted to send a clear message after the game.

"As Phillies players ate a postgame meal in silence after the game, Dombrowski found Bryce Harper,” Matt Gelb noted for The Athletic . “The veteran executive put his arm around Harper during a conversation. It was there for many of Harper's teammates to see, and that was probably not an accident. Dombrowski and Harper might not approve of each other's work, but they have a common goal."

The interaction stood out because it came immediately after a difficult loss and because of the posturing between Dombrowski and Harper up to this point.

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Dombrowski’s gesture came shortly after his latest high-profile message on Harper, when he openly questioned whether or not the slugger could return to “elite” form. Harper has responded to that message numerous times directly and indirectly and he most recently turned heads by lobbying for external help for the roster at the trade deadline.

The loss against the Orioles seemed to underscore Harper’s message and perhaps Dombrowski wanted the slugger and the media to know he agrees. Most pundits and analysts agree that the Phillies could use upgrades in the bullpen, outfield and at the back of the rotation. Harper was awarded with an honorary All-Star bid this season but he had a difficult July at the plate. Ultimately, there is plenty of blame to go around in a roller coaster season for the Phillies.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

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