Bryce Harper, Davey Johnson seem to have different timetables in mind
Insofar as Bryce Harper's return from his knee injury is concerned, the Nationals outfielder and his manager might not quite see eye to eye.
By
Dayn Perry
•
1 min read
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Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper hasn't played since May 26 because of bursitis in his left knee -- the result of his running into the Dodger Stadium outfield wall in the middle of last month. Harper has been on the DL for some time, but now a minor-league rehab assignment is within sight. When, exactly, that stint will begin is left to question, however.
"It just depends how I feel today and tomorrow," Harper said before Saturday's game against the Rockies (AP). "Monday is an off day, which is good. Tuesday, that's kind of early. I'm thinking Wednesday or Thursday, maybe."
As for Harper's manager, Davey Johnson, he seemed to object to the idea that Harper has much of a say in the matter. "I'll have a conversation with him about that," Johnson said after being told of Harper's comments. "When a player starts playing, it's really up to me, what I think they need. Not up to the player. I'm always trying to do what's best for the player. But at the same time, it's my job to know when they're ready and when they're not."
Harper's probably speaking from inexperience, and I highly doubt there's any sense of defiance in his remarks. He'll likely take his marching orders from Johnson, and we'll hear no more about it.
The reality, of course, is that the Nats need Harper back in the lineup ASAP. The 20-year-old is batting .287/.386/.587 this season with 12 home runs in 44 games. Washington, meanwhile, ranks 13th in the NL in runs scored.
