Harper's hip becoming a concern

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will fly back to Washington, D.C., on Sunday to have his sore left hip examined, The Washington Post reports.

Harper, the 2012 NL rookie of the year, aggravated the condition Saturday during batting practice. According to the newspaper, the pain was so intense that it “left him floored in the batting cage.”

When asked if the injury could sideline Harper for the remainder of the 2013 regular season, manager Davey Johnson told The Washington Post, “I don’t know.”

Harper, who also missed 31 games with a knee injury this season, has been battling the hip problem for a little over a week. However, it appears to be worsening. The Washington Post notes that the Nationals first referred to it as “soreness,” then as a “strain” and finally as “inflammation.”

In 101 games this season, Harper is hitting .273/.377/.504 with 19 homers and 49 RBI.