Bryce Harper has been shut down for the remainder of the Minor League season. Though his injured right hamstring is improving, Harper will not be joining his teammates, the Harrisburg Senators, for the Double-A playoffs.
Harper originally strained his hamstring back on the 18th of August while attempting to go from first to third during a teammate’s hit. At the time, most expected the injury to end Harper’s season with the Senators.
Just before he began rehabbing, it was announced that Harper was again selected to play for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League. It was assumed he would take his time rehabbing and aim to return in October when the AFL kicks off.
But Harper wanted to rejoin his Double-A teammates for their postseason run. He tried to get back into playing shape, but the Nationals announced Thursday that Harper was not ready for live action and wouldn’t be returning to the Senators this season.
Instead, Harper will head home to Las Vegas and focus on getting ready for the Arizona Fall League. This year, Harper will get a chance to play every day for the Scorpions. In 2010, Harper was a taxi squad player, meaning he was only eligible to play on Wednesday and Saturdays.
Harper had quite the first season of professional ball. Before he even stepped on a Minor League field, Harper was anointed the top prospect in baseball. The 18 year old showed why in 2011.
Starting the year with the Nationals Single-A affiliate, Harper mashed. Over his 72 games, Harper hit at a clip of .318/.423/.554 with 14 home runs, 17 doubles, 46 RBI’s and 19 stolen bases.
His efforts earned him a promotion to Double-A, where Harper went on to struggle a bit compared to his success at the Single-A level. Playing 37 games for the Senators, Harper put up a line of .256/.329/.395.
Between both levels, Harper combined for a season line of .297/.392/.501 in his first year as a professional.
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