Bryce Harper not in lineup after leaving night before with stiff neck

WASHINGTON -- Outfielder Bryce Harperwas not in the Nationals starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants.

Harper was removed from Saturday's 7-1 loss to the Giants with neck stiffness.

After the game Harper said that he has been bothered by a stiff neck for a few days but wasn't sure what caused it.

Harper was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts Saturday, dropping his batting average to .233. The 2015 National League MVP is now hitting .179 (19 for 106) since July 1 and has one home run in his last 22 games.

The Nationals upcoming schedule is favorable should Harper require a few days to recover.

Washington has a day off Monday before beginning a two-game series against the Indians. The Nationals then have another day off Thursday.