Harper diagnosed with 'significant bone bruise,' expected to return this season

The Washington Nationals are breathing a sigh of relief.

All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a "significant bone bruise" after injuring his left knee while slipping on first base Saturday, though tests revealed no ligament damage.

"The good news is there's no ligament or tendon damage which is pretty remarkable in my mind just seeing the type of injury that he had," Nationals general manger Mike Rizzo told Jamal Collier‏ of MLB.com. "There is a significant bone bruise when he hyperextended the knee. Although we dodged a bullet a bit here with any long-term ligament, or tendon damage, the bone bruise is something of significance and we're going to treat him cautiously."

The Nationals placed Harper on the 10-day disabled list and have not set a timetable for his return, though they remain confident he will recover in time for the playoffs.

"We're optimistic that he should be back by the end of the season," Rizzo said.

Harper is enjoying a strong bounce-back year but the injury could spell the end of his bid for a second NL MVP. The five-time All-Star is hitting .326/.419/.614 with 29 home runs, 27 doubles, and 87 RBIs in 106 games.

Washington owns a comfortable 14 1/2-game lead in the National League East, allowing for extra caution with Harper's health.

The Nationals have persevered through a considerable amount of injuries this season, with Joe Ross, Stephen Strasburg, Trea Turner, Adam Eaton, and Jayson Werth currently on the DL.