WASHINGTON (AP) Bryce Harper is out of the Washington Nationals' lineup for the second consecutive game because of a stiff neck.
Harper has not played since leaving the Nationals' game Saturday against the San Francisco Giants. Chris Heisey was in right field Tuesday night against the Cleveland Indians.
Manager Dusty Baker said Harper was dealing with the same problem, which the reigning National League MVP said might've come as a result of sleeping wrong.
''We were hoping that these couple days (would help),'' Baker said. ''A stiff neck, he's been getting worked on and stuff. Anybody that's had a stiff neck realizes how tough that is, especially to swing.''
Other than saying Harper was day-to-day, Baker didn't have any other details on the injury. The Nationals appear to be playing it safe given their sizeable lead atop the NL East and Harper's value in the short and long term.
''We suggested he shut it down because he could be making it worse,'' said Baker, who believes the stiffness is on the left side of Harper's neck. ''Just have to wait to see. I don't have any more to tell you. I know it's big news, but I don't want to just make up something.''
The 23-year-old is hitting .233 with 20 home runs, 57 RBIs and a league-leading 82 walks this season.
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