Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has left the team to head back to D.C. for tests on his injured hip.
According to ESPN, Harper aggravated his hip during batting practice prior to Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. The Nationals star has been battling hip injuries lately, and manager Davey Johnson scratched him from the lineup due to what he described as hip inflammation.
"He's going to go to see the doctor tomorrow, figure out what it is, treat it, and he'll meet us in New York, hopefully," Johnson told ESPN.
Harper, 20, could miss an extended period of time if the injury is worse than expected. Washington closes out its series with the Marlins Sunday before traveling to New York for a clash with the Mets at Citi Field, where Harper is expected to meet the team following his tests.
On the season, Harper is hitting .273 with 19 homers and 49 RBIs. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2012, posting a .270 average with 22 long-balls and 59 RBIs.
The Nationals (72-69) enter play Sunday in second place in the National League East, 13 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves while trailing the Cincinnati Reds by eight games for the second wildcard spot. It's been a disappointing year for Washington after the team won 98 games last year and clinched its first division crown since moving from Montreal in 2005.
Harper had a funny flub recently in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Following the second out on an inning, Harper believed the inning was over and started heading in towards the dugout after catching a ball for what he thought was the final out of the inning.
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