Harper will rest hip in Philly series finale

By Bill Ladson

September 3, 2013

PHILADELPHIA -- Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was hitting third and playing left field on Tuesday despite dealing with a left hip injury which manager Davey Johnson didn't know about until right before Monday's game.

Johnson noticed that training assistant John Hsu was working on Harper's hip. Had Johnson known about Harper's injury, Johnson would have given Harper the day off and played Denard Span instead.

"I think players sometimes don't want the manager to know they are getting treatment," Johnson said. "But I need that. It's part of the information I could use to ensure that they can get through the year injury free. They might be able to play with that injury, but it might be better to take a day off and let somebody else [play]."

Johnson plans to give Harper the day off Wednesday, and the team has a day off Thursday.

Harper didn't have any issues with the hip on Tuesday, going 0-for-5 and scoring two runs.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashinNats.