The Washington Nationals have placed outfielder Bryce Harper on the 15-day disabled list and promoted right-handed pitcher Erik Davis to fill his roster spot, the team announced Saturday. Harper will be eligible to return June 11, as the move is being made retroactive to May 27.
Bryce Harper injury: Nationals place OF on DL, recall RHP Erik Davis
Persistent bursitis in his left knee sends Nationals star Bryce Harper to the disabled list.
USA TODAY Sports
Dealing with ongoing bursitis in his left knee since slamming into a Dodger Stadium wall on May 13, Harper hasn't been in the lineup consistently for weeks. He was hoping to get through the injury without major time off as the Nationals weather other key absences, including fellow outfielder Jayson Werth, but it's a move that felt inevitable days ago.
Without Harper, the Nationals are just 2-9 this season, so it’s understandable that Washington would do everything in its power to keep him off the DL. However, Saturday’s news did at least prove to be a delight for Davis:
Call of a lifetime, headed to the show! What an amazing feeling
— Erik Davis (@edavis19) June 1, 2013
A 26-year-old with more than five years of minor-league experience, Davis looks to make his MLB debut this weekend after being drafted by San Diego in the 13th round of the 2008 draft. For someone whose career seemed on the brink just a couple years ago as he struggled at Double-A, it’s a special moment, indeed.
In 44 games this season, Harper has hit .287/.386/.587 with 12 home runs. Davis takes his place on the roster after posting a 3.00 ERA with 27 strikeouts and eight walks over 24 innings of relief duty with Triple-A Syracuse.
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