Harper still sidelined as nature of injury is questioned

Bryce Harper once again is not in the Nationals lineup, and there doesn't seem to be any more clarity to what exactly is keeping the struggling slugger from playing. Or when he'll be ready to return.

The Nationals continue to refer to Harper's ailment as a "stiff neck," with manager Dusty Baker also mentioning a recurring "spasm." But late this afternoon, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci reported that Harper "has been playing through a right shoulder injury for the past two months," citing a source close to the team.

General manager Mike Rizzo quickly refuted that assessment, telling reporters Verducci's article is "inaccurate."

Wherever the truth lies, this much is indisputable: Harper has been in a major slump at the plate for months, and he has been unable to play for six straight days now.

The Nationals hoped after giving the 23-year-old right fielder a chance to rest all week, taking advantage of two scheduled off-days for the team, he would be ready to return this weekend. That, though, hasn't happened yet, and Harper was not present with the rest of his teammates in the clubhouse this afternoon or on the field for batting practice.

Baker said no further tests have been necessary since Harper first left Saturday night's game after six innings. He was scheduled to meet with a chiropractor today.

"(Head athletic trainer) Paul (Lessard) and our staff are working on him every day, and it's better than it was," Baker said. "I think these days off helped him. Like I said, I can't say any more than that, because the chiropractor is coming in to see him today. Hopefully they can relieve the spasm."

Both Baker and Rizzo insisted it wasn't appropriate at this point to consider the disabled list, though the farther Harper is removed from his last game appearance, the more plausible that scenario would seem.

"I hope not," Baker said. "We'd probably have to make a decision within a few days, because we're going short. But right now, with the progress he's making, we haven't discussed that."