Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper sits in the dugout while not in the starting line up against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

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

Matt FitzgeraldSep 2, 2015

Washington Nationals All-Star Bryce Harper is back in the lineup Thursday after leaving Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning after experiencing glute tightness.

Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington shared the news of Harper's return, noting he is batting third and playing center field.

Harper exited the contest against the Cardinals after going 0-for-2 to start the game. Heading into the night, Harper is having an MVP-caliber season, hitting .331 with 31 home runs, 78 RBI and a .460 OBP.

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Harper has dealt only with minor injuries during a breakout 2015 campaign that's seen him truly begin to realize his prodigious potential.

Buster Olney of ESPN highlighted in August how the 22-year-old was carrying the club's load offensively:

If not for Harper, the Nationals offense wouldn't be nearly as productive. The Nats rank in the middle of the MLB pack, and having their star slugger back is good news as they try and make a final playoff push as the regular season draws closer to its conclusion.