Harper likely to return to Nats on Monday

By Bill Ladson

June 28, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Bryce Harper did not play a Minor League game for Double-A Harrisburg on Friday. It was just a day off. Harper, who is on a rehab assignment, will play against Bowie on Saturday. Harper is expected to rejoin the Nationals on Monday against the Brewers.

So far, Harper hasn't had any problems with his left knee, which he injured when he collided with the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium last month. Harper didn't go on the 15-day disabled list until June 1.

"He has five at-bats and he has been all over the place. He is 20 years old," manager Davey Johnson said. "The punishment he has been giving is diving back into the bag. He has had to hustle -- first to third, triple. He has done just about everything and he has gone full speed. There hasn't been any noticeable swelling in the area."

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats. Reporter Andrew Simon contributed to this report.