Bryce Harper has been on a torrid pace in May, leading the Washington Nationals into first place in the National League East. Unfortunately, the star outfielder will be out for at least one game with a sore back.
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Harper Scratched With Sore Back
Saturday, May 30
According to the Nationals’ official Twitter feed, Harper was scratched from the lineup Saturday with a sore back:
Harper said he has a bruised spine, and may need Sunday off as well, according to Dan Kolko of MASN.
Per CBS Sports MLB, Harper was hit with a fastball in the back by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani on Friday night:
The good news is that this doesn’t sound like a significant injury, which has happened to Harper in the past. He’s played in only 218 out of a possible 324 games from 2013-14, but fully healthy this year, the 22-year-old is off to a spectacular start.
Harper leads the league with a 1.201 OPS and 18 home runs in 48 games. He’s been in the big leagues for four seasons, yet it’s easy to forget how young he still is. The Nationals have been waiting for this performance from their young superstar, so keeping him healthy for the entire season is paramount to their success.
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