clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Bryce Harper back in Washington Nationals' lineup in Tampa Bay

Washington Nationals' slugger Bryce Harper missed Sunday's series finale in Milwaukee, but he's back for the first game of two with the Rays in Tampa Bay. Nats' lineup and notes on Harper below.

By Patrick Reddington
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Williams updated reporters on Bryce Harper's status before the series finale in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon before finale of the Washington Nationals' four-game set with the Brewers in Miller Park.

Harper, who took a 95 mph heater to his left quad in the ninth inning of Saturday's game in Wisconsin, was out of the lineup, Williams explained, because the leg was still sore. He received treatment with the hope that he could return to the lineup for tonight's matchup with the Tampa Rays in Tropicana Field.

"Got him right in the quad. Right above the knee, so we want to make sure that -- given the state of that game -- get him out, get some ice on him right away..." -Matt Williams on Bryce Harper on Saturday night

"Got him right in the quad," Williams said Saturday night. "Right above the knee, so we want to make sure that -- given the state of that game -- get him out, get some ice on him right away, hopefully he's good to go tomorrow."

Sunday's game was just the second game Harper has missed this season and it was the second time he was forced to miss one by a hit-by-pitch.

He sat out against the Cincinnati Reds a few weeks back when lefty reliever Tony Cingrani hit him in the back with a fastball.

Through 61 games in his fourth major league campaign, the 22-year-old, 2010 no.1 overall pick has a .343/.479/.725 line with 13 doubles, 21 home runs, 52 walks and 51 Ks in 259 PAs. He currently leads the majors in walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, is tied for second in home runs and is tied for first in the NL in runs scored and second in runs batted with 51 RBIs.

Harper will be making his Tropicana Field debut tonight in the series opener with the Rays and looking to keep a five-game hit streak going.

After winning the NL Player of the Month award in May, Harper is 17 for 41 (415/.520/.723) with four doubles and three home runs in 50 PAs so far in June with eight walks and four Ks this month.

Harper's hitting cleanup in the series opener with the Rays:

[ed. note - "SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 one-day fantasy baseball league today. It's $3 to join and first place wins $8,000. Enter now! CLICK HERE!"]

More From Federal Baseball