PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper hit a run-scoring single that stopped an 0-for-18 skid in his return from the injured list, Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 5-2 on Saturday.
Harper was in right field and hit third after missing 11 games with a left wrist injury.
“It wasn’t feeling right,” Harper said of his wrist. “It really just wasn’t feeling good when I was swinging or any other activity, really. I feel a lot better.”
He was hit by a pitch in the sixth, taking a Joe Ross slider off the top of his left foot, but remained in the game. Manager Joe Girardi said afterward that Harper might be a little sore on Sunday, but didn’t appear to be significantly hurt.
Harper was hurt on April 28 when a 97 mph fastball from St. Louis’ Genesis Cabrera hit him on the face and then the left wrist. He returned to the lineup after three days off but struggled.
The six-time All-Star and former NL MVP had just one homer and three RBIs in 15 games in May while slashing just .211/.318/.316 with 26 strikeouts in 57 at-bats. The Phillies placed him on the 10-day injured list on May 25 after an 0-for-16 stretch that included 10 strikeouts.
“I’m ready to go,” he said. “When I step on the field, I try to bring passion into what I do every single day. I’m excited to get out there and grind with my guys.”
The Phillies were happy for his return, too.
“There’s a lot of different things he can do, and we’ve obviously missed that,” Girardi said. “And it’s great to have him back.”
Said McCutchen, “We all know what he can do. It’s good to have him back. It’s going to strengthen the lineup.”
Washington’s Josh Harrison was hit by pitches twice, by starter Spencer Howard and by Ranger…
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