Bryce Harper leaves game after fouling ball off ankle, MRI shows no break

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was forced to depart Saturday's game against the Braves after fouling a bunt attempt off his ankle. A subsequent MRI showed no fracture.

By Dayn Perry

Jul 21, 2012 at 2:13 pm ET • 1 min read

The Nats are hoping Bryce Harper's ankle injury isn't serious. (Getty Images)

In the first inning of Saturday's Braves-Nationals game, Washington phenom Bryce Harper fouled a bunt attempt off his left ankle. In obvious pain, Harper hobbled around and made a number of attempts to walk. Finally, he was able to complete his at-bat. Harper was also able to play the field in the top of the second.

But before the road half of the third, Roger Bernadina replaced Harper in center field. Amanda Comack of the Washington Times reports that an MRI on Harper's ankle showed no fracture. He's questionable for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.

Harper is hitting .268/.339/.440 on the season. Although any sort of extended absence for Harper seems unlikely, it's worth noting that the Nats recently DFA'd outfielders Rick Ankiel and Xavier Nady. As well, Jayson Werth is at least two weeks from returning after undergoing wrist surgery in early May.

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