Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, June 24, 2026

The Nationals don’t have Bryce Harper back in the lineup tonight due to ‘flu-like symptoms’

Translation? He’s probably puking all over the place.

Philadelphia Phillies v Washington Nationals
Philadelphia Phillies v Washington Nationals
Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images

It’s been almost a month and a half since Bryce Harper injured his knee, and at one point there was concern that the Nationals star wouldn’t even make it back this season due to the severity of the bone bruise and his rehab schedule.

To the excitement of many and the relief of the team, Harper will make it back in plenty of time to contribute in the playoffs, but there’s one more setback he has to overcome before that happens.

Harper, who was meant to be back in the lineup against the Phillies starting Monday night, won’t be playing, after all, thanks to “flu-like symptoms.”

In other words: Harper is probably puking everywhere, but the team decided to keep things classy and describe that in vague terms. He received treatment on Monday, including getting some fluids from the Nationals’ medical staff.

In his absence, the Nationals have gone 25-16, which, as Jon Morosi reminds everybody, is the best record in the National League in that span. One more game (especially one against the Phillies) probably won’t make any sort of difference for the team, seeing as it’s already clinched everything it can possibly clinch.

It makes no sense to rush Harper back if he’s not 100% and can’t contribute yet, but for a team that’s been anticipating his return and fans who were excited to see him back, it’s a small but annoying setback. Hopefully he’s better in the morning and will re-join the team at long last during Tuesday’s game.

See More:

More in MLB

MLB
American League contenders ranked by World Series chancesAmerican League contenders ranked by World Series chances
MLB

Let’s rank World Series contenders in the AL.

By Oliver Fox
MLB
Men’s College World Series Finals: What you need to know about UNC-OklahomaMen’s College World Series Finals: What you need to know about UNC-Oklahoma
MLB

Everything you need to know about the Men’s College World Series Finals

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Oklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World SeriesOklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World Series
MLB

Kolby Branch’s final collegiate swing capped off a bittersweet night for the Branch family in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watchMen’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watch
MLB

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Men’s College World Series, from the full schedule to how to watch

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS FinalsOwen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals
MLB

UNC is headed to the Men’s College World Series Finals after knocking off West Virginia in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off TexasMen’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off Texas
MLB

Georgia’s Joey Volchko was dominant as the Bulldogs knocked off Texas to open their MCWS

By Mark Schofield