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Washington Nationals Send Bryce Harper to Arizona Fall League

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According to the linked story by MLB.com's Bill Ladson, Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is sending OF Bryce Harper to the Arizona Fall League, effective immediately. Harper performed admirably during his stint at the Florida Instructional League, hitting over .300 and leading the Nats squad in homers and RBIs. The soon-to-be 18 year old (birthday Oct. 16) will now get a chance to show his array of skills on a much bigger stage, as the AFL is the premier developmental league for minor league players. Harper will join other Nats prospects, including Derek Norris, on the Scottsdale Scorpions and play twice a week, according to the report. Rizzo also said today, according to Ladson's twitter account, that Harper "is going to A ball [next season]. Make no mistake about it. He is not going to be a rushed guy. We are going to let his performance and development dictate where this guy goes." ed. (1:16 pm) -- Ladson updated his story with more Rizzo quotes here.