Harper leaves game with left glute tightness

Bryce Harper departed Wednesday night’s game in St. Louis in the fourth inning with “left glute tightness,” according to the Nationals.

Harper popped out to lead off the fourth, reaching for the pitch from Cardinals left-hander Tyler Lyons and jogging only a few steps out of the batter’s box before turning around and walking back to the Nationals’ dugout. He had a brief conversation with manager Matt Williams, then grabbed his equipment and retreated back down the tunnel toward the visitors’ clubhouse.

The Nationals typically do not give out in-game information on players who depart with injuries, but shortly after Harper left the game they announced the ailment that sidelined him.

Harper, who…