Nationals: Bryce Harper drops appeal of one-game suspension, will serve it tonight

Dusty Baker hinted before the day half of today's split doubleheader that a resolution might be forthcoming in Bryce Harper's appeal of the one-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball this past week.

Harper was suspended and fined for his actions after he was ejected from Monday night's matchup with the Detroit Tigers, but Harper appealed the suspension.

Baker told reporters that there would be news coming, but he couldn't share the information this morning.

"Yeah, I got an idea, just can’t tell you," Baker said, as quoted by MASN's Byron Kerr. "You know what I mean? You’ll find out soon enough."

Harper went 0 for 2 with three walks in the afternoon half of today's twin bill with the Marlins, and after the conclusion of that game, the Nationals announced that Harper had dropped his appeal of the suspension and would serve it tonight.

Harper was in the dugout on Monday night when he and other teammates and coaches voiced their disapproval of a high third strike call on Nats' infielder Danny Espinosa by home plate umpire Brian Knight.

Bryce Harper suspended by MLB for actions following ejection

Photo © Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports

Knight singled Harper out and tossed him. The Nationals won the game on a walk-off home run by Clint Robinson in the next at bat, and Harper returned to the field to celebrate with his team.

He also took a moment to let Knight know what he thought of the umpire's actions.

Asked what he said after the game, Harper told reporters, "A couple choice words, absolutely."

Asked if he thought he might be fined or suspended for his actions, Harper said, "If I do, I do. I'll pay it. Maybe he'll get fined too, we'll see."

Knight did not get a fine, apparently, but Harper was fined and tonight he'll serve his suspension. The second game of the Nationals' doubleheader with the Marlins starts at 7:05 PM EDT in D.C.