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Bryce Harper put on a power display in BP last week in the nation's capital, once again impressing everyone who watched with his so-called "light tower power" as he sent baseballs flying out of the field of play in Nationals Park. Wilson Ramos was working out with Harper as well as both Opening Day starters get closer to returning to the majors.
Washington Nationals' skipper Matt Williams talked to reporters about the plan for the 26-year-old catcher and 21-year-old outfielder going forward at the end of the week and homestand. Harper was a little bit behind Ramos in terms of how close they were to taking the field in competitive action.
"Bryce's thumb was a little bit tender, not in the surgical part of it," Wiliams said, "but on the back side, which is to be expected because he's doing a lot of strength stuff. But he was able to swing today with no issues and drive the ball, so he's right on schedule too. So everybody is good."
Williams talked about both Ramos and Harper beginning rehab stints sooner than later. Wilson Ramos, who was DL'd with a hamstring injury, played for the Harrisburg Senators this weekend as he works his way back. Williams said that Harper would start his own rehab assignment, "at some point during the road trip," that begins tonight in Milwaukee.
Ramos played for the Senators this weekend and he's going to play for the High-A Potomac Nationals tonight. Ramos will be joined by Harper, whose return was officially announced this afternoon:
#Nats OF Bryce Harper will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Potomac tonight, and C Wilson Ramos will move his rehab to Potomac as well
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 23, 2014
The P-Nats are fielding a powerful lineup tonight:
Look who's in the lineup tonight for the P-Nats...? pic.twitter.com/qJsG82g830
— Potomac Nationals (@PNats42) June 23, 2014
The plan, as previously stated, is for Harper to play seven or eight rehab games before returning to the majors. He's been out since late April when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb sliding into third base in Nationals Park. Ramos injured his hamstring during the last road trip. According to reports, he could return this week. He's eligible to return from the DL on June 26th.