34 Bryce Harper RF

Harper is in the lineup but will likely only play six or seven innings during Friday's game against the Pirates, The Washington Post's Jorge Castillo reports.

In addition, manager Dusty Baker stated that Harper is unlikely to play all nine innings of any game this weekend while he continues to work his way back from a knee injury. Harper was recently activated from the 10-day DL on Tuesday, and played two straight games before taking the day off for Thursday's series opener.

Harper is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Harper, who returned from a long-term knee injury earlier in the week, is apparently feeling a little sore after playing in back-to-back games, so he'll get the day off as the Nationals play it safe with him ahead of the playoffs. In his place, Victor Robles will start in right field and bat second.

Harper will play right field and hit second in the Nationals' batting order Tuesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Tuesday's game will be just the sixth this season Harper has spent in the two hole. It remains to be seen if he will stay there moving forward, as manager Dusty Baker may just be looking to maximize his at-bats while leaving Trea Turner atop the lineup.

The Nationals activated Harper (knee) from the disabled list Tuesday, Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post reports.

Harper is ready to get back on the field after missing roughly a month and a half with his knee injury. It remains to be seen where he will slot into the lineup, but it's a good bet he mans right field and hits third in the Nationals' batting order.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Harper (knee/illness) is feeling better and plans to be in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper, who has been sidelined since Aug. 12 with a knee injury, was expected to come off the disabled list prior to Monday's series opener against the Phillies, but his return was delayed by a day due to an illness. He's reportedly feeling better Tuesday, so it sounds like he should make his long-awaited return to the starting lineup. It's unclear if the Nationals will deploy Harper in an everyday role right away, but that will likely depend on how he checks out after his initial appearances.