All is right with Nats
One day after Bryce Harper expressed his thoughts on the ideal lineup for the Washington Nationals, his manager had a clear message for reporters.
“I’ve got to let you guys know something: I’ve got Bryce’s back in every way. That will not change,” Matt Williams said.
On Monday, Harper returned to the Nationals after missing 57 games with a torn ligament in his left hand. With the All-Star outfielder back, the first-year manager has a full complement of potent options, but potentially some tricky decisions. Harper, Washington’s left fielder pre-injury, suggested a configuration where he moves to center – the usual home for Denard Span.
Normally a middle of the order batter, Harper batted sixth and played left field for the second straight game against Colorado on Tuesday.
Williams said he spoke with Harper about his lineup comments.
“I want him to play every day and I want him to play the way Bryce knows how to play. He’s going to hit in different spots in the lineup. He’s OK with that. He’s going to play in different spots in the outfield and he’s OK with that too.”
On April 19, Williams famously benched the 21-year-old against St. Louis for failing to run all the way to first base on a ground ball out.
Harper is batting .291 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 23 games.
“I know there is a lot made of it and a lot of discussion about it, but he and I are good,” Williams said of Harper’s comments. “There is no rift. We have a conversation every day. I support him all the way. I’m happy to write his name in the lineup every day. Who wouldn’t be.”
Saunders designated
Joe Saunders has been designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers, who cut ties with the 33-year-old lefty after he went winless in eight starts with a 6.13 ERA.
Saunders gave up four homers and seven runs in five innings in Monday’s 7-1 loss to Baltimore. The Rangers have 10 days to trade, release, or outright Saunders to the minors.
Clearing the bases
Houston placed center fielder Dexter Fowler on the DL with a back strain and called up left-hander Kevin Chapman, infielder Kike Hernandez and outfielder Domingo Santana from Triple-A. … The Yankees have shuffled right-handed relievers, calling up Jim Miller from the minors and sending Jose Ramirez to Triple-A. … Atlanta placed catcher Evan Gattis on the 15-day DL and recalled RHP Juan Jaime.