ATLANTA — Bryce Harper is out of the Nationals’ lineup against the Braves due to a bruised triceps.
Manager Davey Johnson said Harper was bruised when hit by two pitches in Friday night’s game. Harper couldn’t get loose when he tried to hit in the cage before Saturday night’s game.
Denard Span replaced Harper as the leadoff hitter and centerfielder.
Harper was hit by pitches in the fourth and eighth innings by Alex Wood and Luis Avilan on Friday night. Home plate umpire Marty Foster warned both benches after Avilan hit Harper on his shoulder in the eighth. Avilan’s pitch apparently caused the bruise.
On Aug. 6, both benches emptied when Harper was hit by Julio Teheran in the Braves’ 2-1 win at Washington.
