Nats' Harper leaves game after getting plunked twice
Tuesday was not Bryce Harper's night.
The Washington Nationals slugger reached base in all four of his plate appearances against the New York Yankees, but two of them came the hard way. He was hit by two pitches, with the second one striking his back foot, forcing him to leave the game.
Bryce Harper gets hit by a pitch for the second time this game. This time he leaves the game. pic.twitter.com/ilJUilaT02
— Jesse Foster (@Jesse__Foster) June 13, 2018
Nationals manager Davey Martinez said Harper was removed for precautionary reasons and that he's doing fine, according to MLB.com's Jamal Collier. He's expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday.
CC Sabathia hit Harper on his elbow in the fifth inning, but the outfielder stayed in the game despite being in obvious pain.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)
Entering the night, Harper had only been plunked once all season. The Nationals may be breathing a collective sigh of relief with it not appearing like a serious injury. Despite a .228 batting average, Harper leads the team with 19 home runs and has an .869 OPS through 64 games.