The Washington Nationals can now heave a sigh of relief after it was revealed that Bryce Harper’s injured left knee suffered no ligament damage. According to general manager Mike Rizzo, an MRI revealed that Harper suffered a significant bone bruise that will sideline him indefinitely. Rizzo said Harper is expected to play again this season but there’s no timetable for his return. Rizzo said the team felt that they dodged a bullet with the findings on Harper’s knee.
Harper suffered the injury in the first inning of their match against the San Francisco Giants Saturday at Nationals Park.
After hitting a grounder inside the first-base line against Jeff Samardzija, Harper felt that he could beat the the pitcher but he slipped upon making contact with the first-base bag and fell hard to the ground. It looked like Harper’s knee buckled as he stepped on the bag awkwardly. He had to be carried off the field and was seen walking out of the Nationals clubhouse with a slight limp.
According to Rizzo, the Nationals officially placed Harper on the 10-day disabled list due to a hyperextended left knee. The Nationals reinstated Michael A. Taylor in a corresponding move and added catcher Pedro Severino to the roster as the 26th man for Sunday's doubleheader. With a commanding 14 ½-game lead in the National League East, the Nationals have the luxury of resting Harper and have him fully healthy for the postseason.
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Harper’s agent speaks out against wet bases
Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, urged Major League Baseball to take the necessary steps in ensuring that the wet, slicky bases will not be a safety hazard for players. Boras said while the league ensures that the soil is not wet after an inclement weather, the MLB must go to great lengths to ensure that wet bases will not pose any danger to the players.
In the NBA, Boras said game officials ensure all the time that the floor is not wet so as to ensure the safety of the players.
Nats beat Giants even without Harper
Even without Harper, the Nationals defeated the Giants, 3-1, thanks to six quality innings from starter Edwin Jackson (3-2), who allowed one earned run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save of the season as the Nationals improved to 69-45. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Lind each hit an RBI double while Daniel Murphy knocked in an run-scoring single for the Nationals. Samardzija (7-12) took the loss after giving up three runs on nine hits with a walk and six strikeouts while Joe Panik hit a solo homer in the opening frame for the Giants (46-71).
