Davey thinks Harper's knee could still be an issue

WASHINGTON -- When Bryce Harper didn't run out a routine ground ball in the eighth inning on Friday night, bench coach Randy Knorr questioned the All-Star's effort on some plays this season. Before Saturday's game, manager Davey Johnson agreed that Harper should have sprinted down the line.

"My opinion is you take nothing for granted," Johnson said. "You hit a ground ball, the guy could boot it. You run. Anytime you quit going hard, it's a losing attitude. With him, I'm in between knowing if he's babying his knee, because he's usually 100 percent in. But I'll talk to him."

After missing the entire month of June with bursitis in his left knee, Harper has started 50 of the Nationals' 54 games since, including Saturday. Harper has not had any major setbacks with the knee, but Johnson believes that the injury might still be hampering the 20-year-old.

"I think it's still an issue. I think it's probably there," Johnson said. "He can probably play with it, but if he headfirst slides or dives in the outfield, it's probably going to flare up. But hopefully, he'll get through the season."

When asked if Harper should consider offseason surgery to have the bursa sac in his knee removed, Johnson said that decision would have to be made by Harper and team doctor Wiemi Douoguih.

"That was talked about a while back," Johnson said. "That's definitely an option."