34 Bryce Harper RF

Harper (lower leg) is batting fourth and starting in center field against the Cubs on Friday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper was scratched from Thursday's lineup as he dealt with a swollen lower right leg from a hit by pitch Wednesday, although he was available to come of the bench, if needed. The 25-year-old underwent X-rays -- which came back negative -- and should be no worse for wear in Chicago this weekend.

Harper (leg) will be available to pinch hit off the bench during Thursday's game against Atlanta, Byron Kerr of MASN Sportst reports.

Manager Dave Martinez said Harper's knee and shin area is "pretty swollen" but that an X-ray came back clean. It wouldn't be surprising to see Harper remain on the bench for Thursday's series finale, but he will likely be back in the starting nine Friday in Chicago when the Nationals face the Cubs in another afternoon matinee.

Harper went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in a win over the Braves in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader.

Harper is now batting .370 with four homers and 16 RBI in 16 games since the All-Star break. He is slated to man right field and bat cleanup against lefty Sean Newcomb in the nightcap.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Reds.

Harper delivered an RBI double in the third inning to extend Washington's lead to two. He managed to make a significant impact after it was unclear whether he'd take the field in the series finale. Harper was struck by a pitch on the knee Saturday, but he recorded his 68th RBI of the season the following day, and he should be good to go moving forward, especially with a scheduled off-day Monday.

Harper (knee) is starting in center field and batting fourth against the Reds on Sunday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper exited Saturday's game after being hit by a pitch on the kneecap and was unsure of his availability for the series finale. The 25-year-old is apparently feeling fine after the scary moment Saturday, and has four hits -- including a double and a home run -- and three walks through 13 plate appearances in the series thus far.