### Amaro Calls for Retaliation After Strider Hits Harper with Pitch

Following an intense game where Braves ace Spencer Strider hit Bryce Harper with a 95 mph fastball, former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has voiced strong opinions on the incident. The pitch, which struck Harper in the elbow, occurred on Tuesday night, resulting in Harper leaving the game due to an elbow contusion. Thankfully, post-game X-rays confirmed there was no serious injury.

Amaro expressed his frustration on the Phillies' postgame show, highlighting Strider's lack of command this season. “Strider has already hit three batters this year. Whether or not he meant to hit Bryce, that can't go unanswered,” Amaro stated. He implied that retaliation should come as a response, emphasizing the importance of standing up for the team. "There’s a lot of baseball left to play against the Braves this season, and I believe someone on that mound will do the job."

In his post-game comments, Strider insisted that hitting Harper was not intentional. "I'm not a complete sociopath, so I have some empathy," he explained. Strider expressed regret over the pain he caused Harper and was relieved that the injury was not more severe. “Seeing him in pain was tough. He's one of the best players of this century, and the game is better with him on the field,” he said.

The Phillies and Braves face a doubleheader on Thursday, presenting ample opportunity for a possible retaliation as hinted by Amaro. Whether or not the Phillies choose to act remains a point of speculation, but the tension between the two teams is palpable following the incident.