Bryce Harper Injury: Updates on Nationals Star's Back and Return

Bryce Harper has been on a torrid pace in May, leading the Washington Nationals into first place in the National League East. Although, the star outfielder missed one game with a sore back, he returned on May 31.

Continue for updates. 

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Harper Returns vs. Reds

Sunday, May 31

The Nationals announced Harper was starting Sunday after sitting Saturday with a sore back:

Harper said he has a bruised spine, according to Dan Kolko of MASN. Per CBS Sports MLB, Harper was hit with a fastball in the back by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani on Friday night:

The good news is that this isn't a significant injury, something that has happened to Harper in the past. He's played in only 218 out of a possible 324 games from 2013-14, but fully healthy this year, the 22-year-old is off to a spectacular start. 

Harper leads the league with a 1.201 OPS and 18 home runs in 48 games. He's been in the big leagues for four seasons, yet it's easy to forget how young he still is. The Nationals have been waiting for this performance from their young superstar, so keeping him healthy for the entire season is paramount to their success.