Bryce Harper Leaves Game for Concussion Protocol

Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Opening Day in Flushing, and the injury bug is already starting to gnaw at the Nationals. In the top of the second, Bryce Harper came up to bat with the Nats down 3-0 after Andrew Brown hit a shot to left center.

After taking two strikes, Harper watched four balls and walked to first. Ian Desmond  hit right into what looked like it would be a routine double play, until a sliding Harper caught a shin to the right temple from a jumping Eric Young.  Harper remained on the field lying down for a few minutes as the trainers came out to check for concussion symptoms.  He walked off slowly and initial reports came that he had left the game.

Harper came back out to field in the bottom of the second, but it’s nerve racking to think about Harper having to miss any more playing time.  The Nationals have the potential to win the NL East, but an injury plagued season like last year could cost them a playoff spot once more.