Harper diagnosed with a bone bruise

When Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper couldn’t put any weight on his left leg when he was helped off the field Saturday night, the worst-case scenario certainly seemed realistic.

But an MRI revealed what the Nationals hope is season-saving news Sunday, GM Mike Rizzo saying Harper has a “significant” bone bruise in his left knee but avoided the kind of ligament or tendon damage that would throttled back the team’s World Series aspirations.

There’s no definitive timeline for Harper, who was injured slipping on a wet first base, to return, but Rizzo is hopeful the NL MVP candidate will be back before the end of the season.

“Although we feel we’ve dodged a bullet a bit here with any long-term ligament and tendon damage, the bone bruise is something of significance, and we’re going to treat him cautiously and hopefully have him back later on this season,” Rizzo said.

PADRES STAY GREEN >> The Padres committed to their rebuilding program under Andy Green, giving their manager a three-year extension through 2021.

“I can’t hide my happiness,” Green said. “I’m thrilled and excited to be able to staying here to lead this organization. There is no other place I’d rather be.”

Green, 40, is in the second year of his original contract with the struggling Padres, and the organization is encouraged by the way he has handled his young team.

“I don’t think there’s any question ... he’s the leader,” GM A.J. Preller said.