Harper undergoes MRI: Slumping Nats slugger on the mend?

Slumping Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper underwent an MRI on Saturday to try to get to the root of a lingering stiff neck that has kept him out of the lineup for five games.

Harper, the 2015 National League MVP, is hitting a career-worst .233/.374/.438 with 20 homers and 57 RBI. Harper was named the NL Player of the Month in April, but since April 27 has hit just .212/.361/.349 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI in 362 plate appearances.

“Bryce is day-to-day,” general manager Mike Rizzo said. “We haven’t discussed disabled list with him today. He did have an MRI today, and it was clean, so that’s good news. He feels good about it.

“He’s got a stiff neck that’s lingered on for five or six days. Hopefully, that’s behind us now.”