Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper Rehabbing in Woodbridge

By Alex Koma

Bryce Harper will bring his star power to Woodbridge on Tuesday when he joins the Class A Potomac Nationals for the start of a rehab assignment.

Harper went on the disabled list on June 2 with bursitis in his left knee that was caused by a collision with the outfield wall of Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium on May 13.

The Washington star aggravated the injury on May 26 while sliding, and has been absent from the big league club ever since.

Harper originally hadn’t planned on joining Potomac until later in the week, but after a strong workout on Monday, team doctors felt there was no more risk to further injury.

Potomac holds some strong memories for Harper; not only will he be reunited with several of his former teammates from his days in the minors, but he’ll also have the chance to reconnect with P-Nats manager Brian Daubach.

Daubach was Harper’s first professional manager when he made his debut with the Class A Hagerstown Suns, and their relationship will surely help the injured star as he works on regaining his hitting stroke.

However nostalgic the assignment may be, Washington manager Davey Johnson is anxious to have Harper back in the lineup for the club. Despite missing the last few weeks, he’s still tied for the team lead in home runs and leads the squad in batting average.

But Johnson shouldn’t have to wait long. Harper said on Saturday that he expects to play six rehab games in total, which would mean he could return to the big leagues as early as the first week of July.

No matter how long his stay in Potomac lasts, there’s no doubt that he’ll be a popular sight to see and a boost for the Nats over the next three games.

Potomac will be taking on the division leading Myrtle Beach Pelicans from Tuesday through Thursday. Each game will start at 7:05 p.m.