Nationals dismiss report about Bryce Harper shoulder injury

Two prominent members of the Washington Nationals on Tuesday dismissed a report discussing the extent of Bryce Harper’s shoulder injury.

SI’s Tom Verducci wrote a column Tuesday about the Nats’ playoff hopes, which he said were dampened by Harper’s shoulder concerns. Verducci reported a source told him the neck/shoulder issue was such a problem that Harper could barely throw a ball 40 feet at one point. Verducci even said Nats manager Dusty Baker admitted to him that Harper’s shoulder issue had been a problem.

When asked about the report Tuesday, Harper declined to talk about it. Both Baker and Nats GM Mike Rizzo dismissed the injury concerns.

Mike Rizzo denied the first report a month or so ago. Said he asked Harper directly, than said the report was inaccurate.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 20, 2016

Dusty said the report is inaccurate. Said Bryce told him that did not come from him. Said comments he made were about the past.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 20, 2016

To sum: Rizzo said before it's not true. Dusty said it's not true, that Harper said it didn't come from him. Harper would not address it.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 20, 2016

The reigning NL MVP is batting .242 with 24 home runs this season. He’s batting just .220 with five home runs since the All-Star break compared to .256 with 19 home runs prior to the break. Entering Tuesday, Harper only recorded one hit since Sept. 11.