WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals have removed outfielder Bryce Harper from the lineup after two innings in the opening game of a day-night doubleheader against Atlanta.
The 19-year-old Harper fouled a bunt off his left ankle in the bottom of the first inning Saturday. Limping and doubled over in pain for several moments, the first time All-Star completed the at-bat by striking out. Harper returned to center field in the second inning, but Roger Bernadina replaced him on defense for the top of the third with the Nationals trailing 1-0.
Harper is batting .269 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs in 71 games this season.