Nationals' Bryce Harper avoids ligament damage, placed on DL

WASHINGTON _ The Nationals avoided the worst possible news on Bryce Harper.

The morning after Harper slipped on a wet base, hyperextended his left knee and crumpled to the dirt in pain, the Nationals announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with a "significant" bone bruise.

Harper is on the 10-day disabled list, but his immediate availability is not the question for a team that holds a 14 {-game lead in the NL East. Getting back their best player for the postseason is all that matters.

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo told reporters that an MRI exam showed no tendon or ligament damage, "which is pretty remarkable in my mind, just seeing the type of injury he had."

The Nationals activated outfielder Michael A. Taylor from the DL to replace Harper on the roster. They also recalled catcher Pedro Severino to be their 26th man for Sunday's split-admission doubleheader.