Bryce Harper not showing concussion symptoms after violent collision

The Nationals beat the Marlins 5-0 this afternoon essentially without the services of star outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper left in the first inning after a violent collision with Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich.

With two outs and Harper on first, Jayson Werth hit a sharp grounder to Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas, who fired to first baseman Justin Bour to end the inning.

Harper was running hard on the play in the event of a miscue. As he turned for third, Dietrich met him at second base. The impact knocked Harper to his back. The 22-year-old appeared dazed as Nationals manager Matt Williams and head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz hurried to check on him.

When Harper made it to his feet, it appeared that he lobbied to stay in the game but Williams and Kuntz decided to end the slugger's day for precautionary reasons.

"When we got out there, he reported a little bit of dizziness, so as a precaution we took him out," Williams told reporters after the win. "All tests after and since have been really good. No signs of a concussion. So we'll keep evaluating through the night and see how he is tomorrow."

Reporters asked Williams if Harper will be available for Monday's series opener in Philadelphia.

"I don't know," Williams said. "The protocol is you keep evaluating, and if he has signs of a headache or nausea or anything like that, then we have to take those precautions."

Harper's .333 batting average continues to lead the National League while his .443 on-base percentage, .648 slugging percentage and 1.111 OPS remain the best marks in the majors.

"Not a good feeling running out there to see what's wrong," Williams told reporters.