Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper scratched with sore back

CINCINNATI (AP) Outfielder Bryce Harper was scratched from Washington's lineup on Saturday because of a sore back. Harper was hit in the middle of the back by

CINCINNATI (AP) Outfielder Bryce Harper was scratched from Washington's lineup on Saturday because of a sore back.

Harper was hit in the middle of the back by a pitch from Cincinnati's Tony Cingrani during the Reds' 5-2 win on Friday night. Harper had words for Cingrani before heading to first base. He stayed in the game and singled off Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning.

Harper was in the original Nationals lineup on Saturday. Clint Robinson took his place in right field. The Nationals already were missing left fielder Jayson Werth, out indefinitely with a broken wrist.

Harper is batting .369 with four doubles, a triple, 13 homers and 28 RBIs in May. His 13 homers are the most in any month by a Nationals player.

---

Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay