District on Deck » Bryce Harper

Harper Received Cortisone And PRP Shots From Dr. Andrews

Andrew Flax — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:14:38 +0000

During his visit to Dr. James Andrews recently, Bryce Harper received a shot of pain-numbing cortisone and an injection of platelet-rich plasma in his left knee.

May 16, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) prior to his at bat in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The two shots serve distinct but critical purposes. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is separated blood plasma with blood platelets added to it. It promotes healing within the knee. The cortisone shot helps numb any pain the knee may still be causing. Cortisone is now very popular among Nats fans, as many will recall how a shot to the shoulder turned Ryan Zimmerman‘s season around last year. Harper is now also wearing a knee brace, but only to put less pressure on the knee and allow it to rest. His status will be re-evaluated in a week.

Harper has been dealing with the knee’s swelling and pain since colliding with the wall in Dodger Stadium on May 13th.

Dr. Andrews Confirms No Long-Term Damage To Harper’s Knee

Andrew Flax — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:09 +0000

According to reports, Bryce Harper visited Dr. James Andrews on Monday, who checked out his injured left knee and confirmed that he had not suffered any long-term significant damage.

May 17, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Harper has been suffering from knee bursitis since he collided with the fence at Dodger Stadium on May 13th, but he was not placed on the DL until the 26th. The team expected the swelling to go down, but it did not do so as quickly as the team expected, although it did subside a few days ago. Nothing is yet known about when Harper could return.

Injury Roundup: Strasburg, Detwiler And Harper Feeling Better

Andrew Flax — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:00:42 +0000

For the first time in a while, there’s good injury news, and a big helping of it.

The biggest news concerns Stephen Strasburg. He had a side session today and reportedly felt good during it. He is well on his way to return to the rotation the first day he is eligible to come off the disabled list, June 16th. This is great news for the Nats, who initially feared he could be out 3-6 weeks with his lat strain.

May 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Harper has more minor news. The swelling in his knee has finally gone down, though his meeting with Dr. James Andrews is still on. Nothing more is known about his potential return date, but it is great to hear that the swelling the Nats were so concerned about has subsided.

Ross Detwiler is now almost completely healthy. He had a very successful rehab outing at High A Potomac, going 3.2 innings on 60 pitches even though he was only supposed to throw 40-50. He allowed one run on seven hits while striking out four. He will return to the Nats’ rotation on Thursday the 13th in Colorado, another big boon to a beleaguered Nationals pitching staff.