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| Photo by USA Today |
Harper originally didn't expect to be ready to appear in a game until Wednesday at the earliest but bumped up the schedule after another strong BP session today at the ballpark, according to a source familiar with the Nationals' plan for the 20-year-old outfielder.
On the 15-day DL since late May with bursitis in his left knee, Harper has ramped up his baseball activities in recent days and put on a show during BP in front of fans Sunday morning. He returned to the park today for another hitting session in front of team personnel and emerged with no issues in his knee.
Harper plans to play three innings and start in left field tomorrow night for Potomac, then increase his workload each subsequent day. If all goes well, he could possibly come off the DL in time for some of this weekend's series at the Mets. If he's not quite ready by then, he'd almost certainly return for the Nationals' homestand that begins June 30 against the Brewers.
91 comments:
Guess Davey was right, just hope he's healthy!
Looks like I have plans for tomorrow.
Good to hear this... Hopefully he is able to play and not have any setbacks...
What time should I get there for an autograph? Noon? LOL
Don't you think he is there to play 3 innings or less in his 1st game back?
Mark Zuckerman @ZuckermanCSN
Source: Bryce Harper will begin rehab assignment with Class A Potomac tomorrow night
Mark usually doesn't quote anonymous sources so this must be for real.
Three innings. Maybe a catch or two, one at bat. Media circus. He has not played in about a month. Hope they take it easy.
What time is the game tomorrow? I feel like I am getting sick... *cough, cough*
Usually seven. Good luck- place is a zoo when it's crowded. Should have picked up a ticket when I was there last night, but they were saying Wednesdsy.
I hope that left field at the Fitz doesn't resemble a cow pasture. Don't turn an ankle, kid.
Dan Plesac is really a big fan of the Nats roster. He was giving a pretty big endorsement of the Nats and the long-term future of the organization just now on MLB Network.
Aw, AJ Cole is pitching tonight. It would've been great if he were pitching tomorrow too.
The field at Pfitzner looked better last night than I have ever seen it. Drainage better now too. Center fielder-- Michael Taylor looks the part. If you go, check him out. Kid named Keyes has got some power.
David-- Robbie Ray last night. Hey! Maybe I will just stay home - Bryce can probably hit the ball all the way to my house off of single A pitching.
nice to know harper is on his track back.
as far as pitching trade targets, I like Gallardo or Garza. Given that Gallardo is under contract for two more years, I think we should aim for Garza. hopefully he come on cheap.
Geoff Morrow @RageAgainstGMo 1m
And it is official. RHP Taylor Jordan is done after only 5 IP and 65 pitches. He is most definitely being pulled with purpose. #Nats?
And twitter is blowing up. Bryce rehab and possible new guy call up. Can you even imagine if Bryce returns and Taylor pitches on the same day? NI and twitter might implode.
Taylor Jordan pulled at the 5th inning giving up 1 earned. Maybe he is a backup Plan B. I would be extremely surprised but you never know.
Ghost- just wanted to let you know I read your post before it disappears. This season for sure anything is possible.
Faraz,
Gallardo would be a nice 4/5 but methinks the Brewers would like a little more than the Nats want to offer.
swami, thanks and looks like it hasn't disappeared this time. All my afternoon posts disappeared.
You are right about anything being possible. Karns was a good short-term move and the games he appeared in was invaluable experience but I've also seen pitchers that are negatively affected when they are blown out. It's a gamble pulling up players with as little AA experience as Taylor Jordan has.
Mother Hen McCatty seems like he is pretty good at managing the personalities, egos and insecurities. Maybe he should be the new hitting coach :) Seriously, I hope these kids have good support systems and see the opportunity as a great learning experience. I have heard that the best players are usually in AA. Still -- it's one thing to get called up and have no time to think -- this might be too much time.
I have front row tickets for Thursday.
Manassas very cool. I always made it a point to get great seats when the Braves players rehabbed here; sat first row over the dugout when Glavine rehabbed. Makes for a fun night at the park.
water23, I agree. Brewers will try to improve farm through trades as much as possible and Gallardo is their best trade chip.
I would add Ubaldo's name to the list but he has not pitched deep into game recently. looking more and more like right-handed lannen.
A right handed Lannan sounds pretty good right now
The names mentioned other than Cliff Lee are no sure things for trades.
Very risky.
Nats are playing Nyrtle Beach
Seriously - this evening just feels endless. Even the Bryce rehab and baby pitcher news are not enough to keep things lively.
Copying these up from the last thread:
"Why do we have hitting coaches?"
As I said before, IMO this is like asking "why do newspapers have editors?"
Professional writers still benefit from refinement and feedback, but if they have writer's block or routinely turn in amateur crap, the editor can only do so much to help.
And, of course, getting a hit 1/4 to 1/3 of the time is considered decent to excellent...its not exactly easy to do...
"Seriously hope they are not exploiting [Harper]."
FWIW, Harper stated that he wouldn't play if he didn't feel ready, and then cited swing timing concerns as the reason why he wants a prolonged rehab assignment.
Davey said his primary consideration is how Harper is doing the day after each new level of activity. I think that's the right approach. I trust Davey more than Harper with regard to how best to get his timing back, and he's stated repeatedly that Harper knows his body better than anyone. I think Davey will defer on the injury but pull rank on the timing.
ok, don't bash me but let's say we are 10-12 GB at the ASG and we become "sellers"...my ?'s:
A) would Rizzo become a seller and;
B) if so, what could we get for Gio?
I know its rare to get rid of a #2/3 starter, especially a lefty but if you package him with 1-2 others maybe you fill some real needs...I don't know, maybe I'm just bored given no game tonight, can't watch that team up North.
not sure where my post but i was just saying that indians may not make ubaldo available given their position.
Faraz, saw that, it was there one minute & gone the next, kind of like Haren.
Taylor Jordan now 7-0 in AA.
Ghost has had his posts disappearing lately. Last season that happened to me a few times. At least it wasn't removed by the blog administrator!
Paul, I don't see the Nats being sellers on anyone except for LaRoche and possibly Storen or Clippard.
Who plays 1B if LaRoche is sold? Marrero? Moore? Bleh.
paul, a left-handed pitcher with as much as possible five year control should get at least two A prospects and more. from 2010-2013, gio is top 5 left handed pitchers in the game I think.
but paul, that is not happening.
Ghost, thanks, yea, tend to agree, how about Soriano as a closer to someone who may need one??, again in the event we are out of it which I hope is not the case.
He's not cheap but you get him for an additional year.
how about we don't think about being sellers?
After all the negative press about the field 2 years ago....or was it last year, they had a company come in and put new drainage etc. The field has been in great shape since
Exciting game in Omaha if folks are bored.
Forgot about that , Eugene - thanks!
Faraz, I told you I was bored, just thinking...I hope we are not sellers for the next 30 years but when you are, you take advantage.
Eugene, thanks, just saw yours, clearly I am and admitted as much...watching Bruins/Hawks game sort of.
Just getting home. What is word on Werth? We really need him in the lineup. God, I am over having Lombo and the other middle infielder out there
paul, I think Faraz is right but I think the Nats could be buyers and sellers regardless of standings as Rizzo looks to improve towards 2014.
I can think of many opportunities such as going for Stanton and moving Werth to 1st base.
what I wouldn't give to see Stanton in our lineup but I doubt we have pieces to get him.
Faraz, am sure you saw some comments re. Stanton & that's what got me thinking. I love that guy and he loves to hit in Nats park.
wonder what it would take...
I certainly wouldn't complain about not having to watch the Nats pitch to Stanton...and would love to watch him hit for us!
paul, it would take 3 top prospects. That is rich and I think he will be moved for the best package available.
Ghost, did not see yours of 10:01, interesting, Werth at 1B?
Does he have any IF potential? Love ALR at 1B in terms of D but...
Stanton is awesome... But we don't have the chips to trade... We would have to give up a lot to which idk if Rizzo would do that....
IMO ditching ALR right now would be madness...
This entire discussion is pretty silly. Werth at 1B?
Eric, not if you could get something positive in return but I don't see anyone wanting ALR with the extra year on his contract...love his D but if he had to be a reason to get someone(s) you want, maybe you do it and eat some of year #2 contract.
Remember I am bored less the Nats tonight.
Eric, it would be madness to move ALR now but you have to believe Rizzo isn't blind and he has to do something with Werth at some point. Do you make him a very expensive 4th outfielder or look to move him to 1st base?
His health regression is a major major problem. Ignoring it won't make it go away.
David Proctor said...
This entire discussion is pretty silly. Werth at 1B?
June 24, 2013 10:27 PM
Yah, I had people tell me the same when I said after Rendon was drafted that he would be a 2nd baseman or LF and I certainly accelerated my theories in the off-season.
I also said Lombo would play some LF during the 2012 off-season.
Werth is an athletic 6'5" ballplayer. I am very concerned about his health. 1st base is a logical place for him.
If you see things within a square box, I don't know what to tell you.
DP at 10:27pm, remember its a discussion/blog and like I said, I am bored less the Nats tonight...but you are nuts if you don't think discussions like this are not happening with Rizzo and company every hour, day & night given this teams record.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't have the discussion. You're more than free to have them. I just think it's silly to think Werth is a 1B. If it happens, I'll eat crow but...it ain't happening.
David Proctor, yah, someone bet me Rendon wouldn't play more than 5 games at 2nd base in the Minors/Majors this year and I was called an idiot a few times for even suggesting it.
Both RZim and Werth will need new positions in the near future.
With Werth racking up these injuries, the Nats may need to re-think moving him to 4th outfielder or 1st base sooner than later. This is a player who converted from catcher to outfielder. He will have no problem converting to 1st base if that is the direction Rizzo decides to move to.
DP, fair enough, all good, enjoy your posts.
Rendon was known for being a versatile infielder. Whoever bet you that Rendon would never play 2B (and I have a decent idea of who it was) was stupid for betting you that or calling you an idiot.
Zimmerman moving to 1B is an idea I've heard a lot and not just among commenters--many in the media and broadcasters agree that's his future.
Werth to 1B is something I have never even heard floated. I don't see it happening, I really don't.
It appears Jayson Werth has played one inning of 1B as a major leaguer, but I don't think the notion of him ending up there at some point is unrealistic.
With these muscle pulls its going to become a situation you can't ignore with Werth. He will either need to play less which Davey can't wrap his mind around -or- get a position change to a position that doesn't require all the sprinting which is 1st base.
I'm very concerned. 4 1/2 years left on Werth's contract and 6 1/2 more with Ryan Zimmerman. Given their ages and lengths of contracts, I think moving Werth needs to move to 1st base prior to RZim.
It also appears Mr. Werth played eight games at 1B in Rookie League and another 28 in AA.
David Proctor said...
Rendon was known for being a versatile infielder. Whoever bet you that Rendon would never play 2B (and I have a decent idea of who it was) was stupid for betting you that or calling you an idiot.
I don't think you were posting here when I was floating the idea and getting told I was an idiot. One poster said "It will never happen. Get over it."
Never?
Eugene in Oregon said...
It also appears Mr. Werth played eight games at 1B in Rookie League and another 28 in AA.
June 24, 2013 10:58 PM
Thanks for that research. Yah, I'm not as stupid as I first appear ;)
Most catchers with good height and athleticism make good 1st baseman. Have you ever seen Posey or Mauer?
Werth was recruited as a catcher and that was his initial position.
So if you think we got our hearts broken, how do the Bruins fans feel about now? The worst.Was that two goals in the last two minutes? And about Jayson -- I am concerned about the general state of his health. There are reasons people go on gluten free diets - it's not just a fad. He does not look healthy to me. This is the second time he has had some kind of dehydrating type illness this season and he is having major issues with his muscles. I am not concerned about his age - he is a young man. I do have concerns about his health. I hope the docs are going a little deeper here. Seems like he is not just hurt, but ill more than he should be.
Speaking of 1B, in Omaha, Mississippi State is playing an offensive tackle at 1B.
Eugene, what did you think of Hunter Renfroe? He was the 13th pick overall in the 1st round by San Diego. Another former catcher who was turned into an outfielder because his bat is so good they wanted him playing every day. He's a 5 tool player in the College ranks. Once he can prove he can hit breaking balls consistently he will move up levels quickly in the Minors.
I'll let you know in a few weeks. If things go the way they normally do, he'll be playing here -- for the Emeralds, San Diego's short-season A team -- once the CWS ends and he signs with the Padres. I would expect him to be here for at least half the season.
"Do you make him a very expensive 4th outfielder or look to move him to 1st base?"
If Zim's arm continues improving and he ultimately regains his old consistency, and if Werth continues having these weird health-related muscle problems, I could see platooning Werth in the OF until ALR's contact is up and then moving him to 1B. I know ALR is painfully streaky but IMO we'd be much closer to fully sunk if it weren't for his May and, to a lesser extent, June. And, his D.
I have little doubt Werth could make 1B work. He's tall, seems to have good reflexes, and doesn't seem to rush plays.
Ghost, 1B is a power hitter position, isn't it? I can see moving Zim there if he can no longer play 3B because you want to keep his bat in the lineup, but do you really think that's where Werth with declining power is headed?
And enough of the self-back patting over Rendon. The only person calling you an idiot for suggesting that he could end up at 2B was a certain poster who is no longer here. And now you sound just like him. Remember when he used to say all the time that people called him an idiot for saying that Morse could be an impact player? Give it a rest.
Eugene, Renfroe spent the last 4 summers playing in Washington DC in the Cal Ripken College wood bat summer league. The fact he dominated with a wood bat is huge for the Padres. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't turn out to be the best pick in the 2013 Draft Class.
Sect222, watch Werth add body mass on if he became a 1st baseman. He's a lean and mean outfielder right now.
Something has to give. Either he becomes a 4th outfielder or a 1st baseman or bat off the bench.
Good point about the power, 222, but it seems possible that he's only just now fully recovering from his wrist injury... He's already exceeded his 2012 totals and he's missed a month of play...
Eric said...
"Do you make him a very expensive 4th outfielder or look to move him to 1st base?"
If Zim's arm continues improving and he ultimately regains his old consistency, and if Werth continues having these weird health-related muscle problems, I could see platooning Werth in the OF until ALR's contact is up and then moving him to 1B. I know ALR is painfully streaky but IMO we'd be much closer to fully sunk if it weren't for his May and, to a lesser extent, June. And, his D.
I have little doubt Werth could make 1B work. He's tall, seems to have good reflexes, and doesn't seem to rush plays.
Glad to have you aboard. I could see Werth being the 1st baseman in 2015-2016 and then go to the bench. RZim I predict will be the 1st baseman from 2017 to 2019.
2012 totals for home runs, that is.
Well, Mr. Renfroe hasn't done anything tonight, but he put the hurt on Oregon State last week. I hope he gets here soon, because the Ems have been Nats-like in their hitting so far this season.
Eugene, a few K's and he still leads MSU in OBP.
UCLA playing some good baseball.
Ghost, to be clear, if Werth's muscle problems are truly related to gastroenteritis/dehydration, I think it's possible his injuries this year are a fluke. I have seen an insane number of stomach bugs go around this year both in my kids and at work.
Also, if Zim's throwing *doesn't* resolve satisfactorily, then I think figuring out his situation will take priority.
But, again, I think Werth to 1B is entirely plausible, especially if his power continues to improve. Never would've thought of it, but I could see it.
Eric, I hope you are right that Werth's injuries could be a fluke. Since RZim has gone back to making more side-arm throws he has looked more comfortable.
Werth does not have an injury of muscle issues. Really his only preexisting condition was the wrist that I know of. But age does funny things so who knows.
Papelbon just blew ANOTHER save. 4th in his last 5th tries.
Yes, they had some doubleplusexciting ends of games out there on the Other Coast. It is a fun sport, this Base Ball.
Interesting video of Nat's Park visitor clubhouse from the Denver Post: http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2013/06/22/video-behind-the-scenes-look-at-nationals-park/14916/
You move Werth you better find another outfielder first.
Ghost Of Steve M. said...I wouldn't be surprised if (Renfroe) doesn't turn out to be the best pick in the 2013 Draft Class.
I think you got an extra negative in there. Did you mean to write, "I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be the best pick in the 2013 Draft Class?"
Candide. U really should update your blog, it's very good.
I think the ghost was using slang....now u have me re- reading it 10 times. Lol
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