Bryce Harper Injury: Updates on Nationals Star's Thumb and Return

Updates from Saturday, April 26

The Nationals' Twitter feed reports that Harper is out for today's game:

Dan Kolko of MASN has more on the outfielder's injury:

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that the outfielder will undergo an MRI on his thumb:

Original Text

This wouldn't have happened if Bryce Harper hadn't been taken out of that game by manager Matt Williams.

Less than a week after Williams benched Harper for not hustling out a ground ball, the Washington Nationals star appeared to injure his wrist after diving into third base on a triple. The Washington Post's James Wagner reported that Harper's left wrist hit the bag hard as he was sliding in:

Harper beat the throw, popped up on one leg and grabbed his left wrist. Standing at the base, he grabbed his wrist, grimaced and took off his batting glove. He stayed in the game and completed the inning.

Harper took his spot in left field in the fourth inning but left the game at the top of the following inning. Nate McLouth took left field instead of Harper in the fifth inning.

However, after the game the Nationals reported that Harper injured his thumb:

You can see video of the triple below.

MASN's Dan Kolko notes that Harper doesn't seem worried about the injury:

The timing couldn't be much worse for Harper. Before exiting the game, he was 2-for-2 and drove in four runs. He looked to be firmly breaking out of his early-season slump.

Although Harper didn't look to be too injured, neither did Josh Hamilton when he got hurt sliding into first base. Then it was announced that he'd be out for six to eight weeks after tearing a ligament in his thumb.

It's difficult to tell how long the Nats outfielder might be on the shelf, if he's placed on the disabled list at all.

What isn't in doubt is how much Washington will need Harper back healthy. The Atlanta Braves have started the season well and carried a three-game lead over the Nationals into Friday night. The longer Harper's out, the more the Nats risk that deficit growing larger and larger.

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