NEW YORK (WFAN) — Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher left Saturday’s game with the Nationals in the sixth inning after sliding into home.

Swisher was clearly in pain after he was tagged out by Nationals’ catcher Jesus Flores.  He hobbled to the Yankees’ dugout and was replaced by Andruw Jones in right field.

WFAN’s Sweeny Murti later reported that Swisher suffered a quad contusion.  Currently, it is unclear how much time Swisher will miss but it’s possible he’ll be out of the Yankees’ lineup on Sunday.

According to Brian Hoch of MLB.com, the injury was only a bruise.  Judging by this report, Swisher isn’t expected to miss significant time.

Going into Saturday, Swisher was leading the Yankees with 40 RBI.  He’s been one of the Yankees’ biggest power producers in 2012.  Through 58 games, he is batting .262 with 10 home runs.

The Yankees’ outfield is already shorthanded as it unclear when left fielder Brett Gardner will return.  Gardner suffered a setback in recovering from a left elbow strain.  He is expected to miss another three to four weeks.

Joe Girardi and the Yankees will be breathing a sigh of relief should Swisher’s injury turn out to be minor.

Can the Yankees maintain their pace in the AL East race with their banged-up outfield?  Share your thoughts below…