Nationals slugger Bryce Harper left Monday night's game against the Phillies after getting hit on the right knee by a pitch from Philadelphia's Jeremy Hellickson and was later diagnosed with a contusion.
Harper, the reigning NL MVP, was hit in the top of the seventh inning. Though in pain and walking with a limp, he initally stayed in the game but was replaced in right field by Chris Heisey when the Nationals took the field in the bottom half of the inning. Harper's exit was precautionary, manager Dusty Baker told reporters after the game. Harper will be evaluated again Tuesday.
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After a blazing hot start to the season, Harper has cooled down somewhat. He's batting .242 with 13 homers and 34 RBI so far this season. He was hitless in two at-bats before leaving Monday's game.
