Bryce Harper activated from DL, will start vs. Rockies tonight
By Mike Marteny
Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is in tonight’s lineup for the Nationals as they begin their series against the Colorado Rockies in Washington D.C.
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Harper was activated off of the disabled list today. Outfielder Xavier Cedeno was optioned to AAA Syracuse to make room for Harper on the 25 man roster.
The 21 year old Harper has been out since April 25th when he broke his thumb sliding into third base on a triple.
Harper created a lot of buzz during his rehab assignment with AA Harrisburg. He hit three home runs and drove in five runs in the game. Harper was missing from the Senators’ lineup yesterday because he was on the way to Washington to join the parent club.
Harper went 9-14 and slugged four home runs in his rehab assignment with Harrisburg, leaving no doubt that he was ready.
How fitting that Harper is returning for his own bobblehead night at Nationals Park.
Harper was hitting .289 with one home run, nine RBI, one steal, and eight runs scored in 83 at bats.
The return of Harper to his home in left field likely means that Ryan Zimmerman will move back to his natural position of third base. That move could throw a wrench in the whole infield situation.
It means that Anthony Rendon will likely move back to second base, pushing Danny Espinosa to the bench. Espinosa is hitting only .217, but he does have six homers and six steals.
Harper will look to continue the success that he has in his rehab assignment against Colorado rookie Yohan Flande. Flande gave up four runs in five innings to the Cardinals in his major league debut.