Overused Headline: Mr. Harper Goes to Washington (Bryce Called Up to Majors)

Wikipedia commons

Well, the Washignton Nationals felt they needed an offensive boost and called up much-hyped prospect Bryce Harper, reports Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington.    The move comes as third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was placed on the 15 day disabled list.

Zuckerman quotes Nationals GM Mike Rizzo,

Rizzo: "This was expedited by the circumstances and 2 of our middle of the lineup guys going down." Felt needed "impactful LH bat."

Harper was hitting just .250 with one home run at AAA Syracuse.

So, the Nationals are replacing their third baseman with a left fielder.  Mark DaRosa, who had been playing some outfield for the Nationals, I assume will play sime third base in Zimmerman's absence.

One interesting note: Zuckerman points out that Harper spent 20 days in AAA.  Why is that significant? It delays free agency for a whole extra year.