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Harper homers in rehab start for Potomac

Harper homers in rehab start for Potomac

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Harper leaves the game 0:51

5/26/13: After appearing in pain following a double and stolen base, Bryce Harper is removed from the game in the seventh inning

By Andrew Simon
/
MLB.com |

WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Bryce Harper didn't get to test his left knee in the outfield or on the bases during his second rehab game at Class A Advanced Potomac on Wednesday night. That left the batter's box as his only proving ground, and while the results weren't perfect, Harper displayed the impact bat the Nationals have been desperate to return to their lineup.

Some afternoon rain, combined with the the possibility of more wet weather at Pfitzner Stadium, limited Harper to designated hitter in Potomac's 6-5 winover Myrtle Beach, a Rangers affiliate. He took three at-bats in five innings, notching a strikeout, a home run and a lineout to right field. He also hit a foul ball off his right foot, experiencing some pain but no serious injury.

"His knee feels good," Potomac manager Brian Daubach said of Harper, who again did not speak with the media. "Now it's just about his timing and getting more at-bats."

Harper, who played three innings in left field on Tuesday, likely will not return to the Nationals until next Monday, when the club opens a home series against the Brewers. Daubach was not sure if Harper would remain with Potomac for the final game of its homestand on Thursday.

Washington's Double-A Harrisburg affiliate begins a four-game series in nearby Bowie,