Bryce Harper back in Nationals' lineup

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper is back in the lineup two days after getting hit on the left leg by a 95 mph fastball.
Bryce Harper back in Nationals' lineup
Bryce Harper back in Nationals' lineup /

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper is back in the lineup two days after getting hit on the left leg by a 95 mph fastball.

Harper is listed as the designated hitter for Monday night's interleague game at Tampa Bay.

Harper hobbled off the field after getting hit on the inside of his left leg above the knee in the ninth inning Saturday on a pitch from Milwaukee reliever Michael Blazek.

Harper is among the league leaders in multiple offensive categories, batting .343 with 21 homers and 51 RBIs in 61 games going into Monday.

Stephen Strasburg and Doug Fister both could soon return to the Nationals rotation.

Strasburg, placed on the 15-day disabled list May 30 with neck tightness, is scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday for Double-A Harrisburg.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said it is possible the right-hander may need just one minor league start.

''If he comes out of it OK, we can look at that,'' Williams said. ''He's had no issues so far.''

Strasburg, 3-5 with a 6.55 ERA in 10 starts, will throw around 80 pitches Wednesday.

Fister, on the DL since May 15 due to right forearm tightness, might be ready to start for the Nationals later this week.

The right-hander, 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA over seven starts, had a bullpen session Monday.

''We'll see how he is (Tuesday),'' Williams said. ''We have options. As long as he feels good, the next couple days we'll look at it.''


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