The “Face of the Franchise” and the “Future of the Franchise” will cross paths in Los Angeles on Saturday, when the Nationals place third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list and recall outfielder Bryce Harper from Class Triple-A Syracuse.
The team announced the move today on its Twitter feed, as the team prepared to open a three-game set with the Dodgers.Zimmerman, who has not played since April 20 against Miami, has what the team has described as a a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, although an MRI has revealed no structural damage.
He reported that inflammation in the shoulder began when he made several diving plays last week. Zimmerman initially tried rest to reduce the inflammation, but reported on Thursday that he was still experiencing some pain when he tried to take batting practice.
Manager Davey Johnson told The Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore and other reporters that Zimmerman received a cortisone injection in the injured shoulder last Saturday, but it apparently ‘missed the mark.” Friday’s examination by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, was also reportedly to include a cortisone shot or similar treatment.
Zimmerman, who is hitting .224 with one home run and 7 RBIs in 15 games, will be eligible to come off the DL on May 6.
Harper, the much-hyped 19-year-old prospect, will make his major league debut in Saturday’s game at Dodger Stadium. Harper has been a bit slow to come around on the Triple-A level, hitting .250 with one home run and 3 RBIs in 20 games. But General Manager Mike Rizzo told the team’s Twitter feed that Harper is “swinging the bat extremely well right now and looks comfortable in left field.” Rizzo also said the team would benefit from the move. “We thought that we needed to bring in an impactful left-handed bat.”
The move comes with the Nationals struggling mightily at the plate. They managed just five hits — three in the first six innings — in last night’s 2-1 loss to San Diego. They are also dearly missing last year’s home run leader, Michael Morse, who is out for several more weeks with a strained lat muscle. Comcast SportsNet’s Mark Zuckerman reports that left fielders who have replaced him are currently batting a collective .097.
Kilgore also reports that Harper’s promotion comes after enough time in the Minors this year to ensure he will remain under team control for six full seasons beginning in 2013 before he becomes eligible for free agency.
