Bryce Harper exits with apparent left leg injury after awkward fall

— -- WASHINGTON -- Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper left Thursday night's 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay with an apparent left leg injury that occurred while making a throw in right field.

The All-Star took an awkward tumble while throwing home, held his left leg while down on the ground and then gingerly walked off the field.

There was no immediate word on his injury.

Harper was hurt in the sixth inning. The mishap occurred on wet turf after an earlier rain delay at Nationals Park.

Harper fielded a single by Asdrubal Cabrera and tried to throw home. As he planted his right foot, it slipped and his left leg buckled. The throw went wild.

The slugger stayed down on the grass for a few minutes. He eventually rose to his feet and walked off under his own power, escorted by members of the Nationals' training staff.

Entering Thursday, he was batting .344 with 22 home runs and 53 RBIs. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI against the Rays before exiting.

Harper has dealt with several lower-body injuries through his career. He had surgery on his left knee after the 2013 season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.