Nationals’ Bryce Harper Diagnosed With Bone Bruise In Left Knee

Bryce Harper had to be carried off the field in the first inning of Saturday’s game.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said outfielder Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a "significant bone bruise" in his left knee but there was no ligament damage, according to Gabe Lacques of USA Today.

Harper left the first inning of Saturday's game after he struck first base awkwardly while running out a grounder and immediately fell to the ground in pain after appearing to slip on top of the bag. He was carried off the field without putting weight on his left leg. Rizzo added that he's "optimistic" Harder will return this season, but it's tough to tell, according to Lacques.

Video of the play is below.

Saturday’s game started after a three-hour rain delay in D.C., and it’s unclear how much the damp conditions affected the basepaths. The Nationals and Giants are set to play a doubleheader on Sunday.

Harper, 24, entered the game hitting .326 with 29 home runs and 87 RBIs this season. He is the anchor of the Nationals’ lineup and has led them to a 68–45 mark, best in the NL East.