The Nationals don’t have Bryce Harper back in the lineup tonight due to ‘flu-like symptoms’

Translation? He’s probably puking all over the place.

It’s been almost a month and a half since Bryce Harper injured his knee, and at one point there was concern that the Nationals star wouldn’t even make it back this season due to the severity of the bone bruise and his rehab schedule.

To the excitement of many and the relief of the team, Harper will make it back in plenty of time to contribute in the playoffs, but there’s one more setback he has to overcome before that happens.

Harper, who was meant to be back in the lineup against the Phillies starting Monday night, won’t be playing, after all, thanks to “flu-like symptoms.”

In other words: Harper is probably puking everywhere, but the team decided to keep things classy and describe that in vague terms. He received treatment on Monday, including getting some fluids from the Nationals’ medical staff.

In his absence, the Nationals have gone 25-16, which, as Jon Morosi reminds everybody, is the best record in the National League in that span. One more game (especially one against the Phillies) probably won’t make any sort of difference for the team, seeing as it’s already clinched everything it can possibly clinch.

It makes no sense to rush Harper back if he’s not 100% and can’t contribute yet, but for a team that’s been anticipating his return and fans who were excited to see him back, it’s a small but annoying setback. Hopefully he’s better in the morning and will re-join the team at long last during Tuesday’s game.