The Washington Nationals placed Bryce Harper on the seven-day minor league disabled list Friday evening, after the diagnosis of strained right hamstring initially given to him Thursday night was confirmed by a doctor in Harrisburg. Harper was injured running the bases in the eighth inning of Thursday’s game for Class AA Harrisburg, and had to be helped off the field.
Putting him on the seven-day DL does not officially end his season, as there is about two weeks remaining in the regular season schedule. But it’s very likely the Nationals will be extremely cautious with Harper and not rush him back for the final week or even the Eastern League playoffs if he’s not completely healthy.
Nationals manager Davey Johnson confirmed as much early Friday afternoon, speculating that there’s a good chance the Nationals top prospect’s season is over.
“I’m not going to worry a whole lot about Bryce Harper down there with a slight pulled hammy,” Johnson said. “It’s the end of the season. He probably won’t play the rest of the year. There’s only a few days left. Don’t take a chance of aggravating that into more of a serious injury.”
If Harper’s season is complete, there’s not much else the Nationals could have asked for from their 18-year-old phenom. He’ll play in the Arizona Fall League this year and will come into spring training next year with a (more) legitimate chance to make the team. Chances are he’ll begin the year at Triple-A but anything is possible.
In 37 games at Double-A, Harper is hitting .256 with three homers and 12 RBI. He has a .329 on-base percentage and .395 slugging percentage. His totals for his entire minor league season are (397 at-bats): .297 AVG, 17 HR, 58 RBI, .392 OBP, .501 SLG, .894 OPS.
• Amanda Comak can be reached at acomak@washingtontimes.com.
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