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WASHINGTON (AP) — Outfielder Bryce Harper is not in the Nationals starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants.
Harper was removed from Saturday's 7-1 loss to the Giants with neck stiffness.
After the game Harper said that he has been bothered by a stiff neck for a few days but wasn't sure what caused it.
Harper was 0 for 3 with three strikeouts Saturday, dropping his batting average to .233. The 2015 National League MVP is now hitting .179 (19 for 106) since July 1 and has one home run in his last 22 games.
The Nationals upcoming schedule is favorable should Harper require a few days to recover.
Washington has a day off Monday before beginning a two-game series against the Indians. The Nationals then have another day off Thursday.
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