Fantasy Impact: The Washington Nationals have called up top prospect and outfielder Bryce Harper.

The Nationals Get: The best power-hitting prospect in the minors by far and a future franchise player. With third baseman Ryan Zimmerman headed to the disabled list with a shoulder injury, the Nationals felt the need to try to add an impact bat to their currently punch-less lineup. The move is somewhat of a surprise, given that Harper wasn’t exactly excelling at the plate at Triple-A Syracuse this season. The 19-year-old slugger hit .250/.333/.375 with a single home run and three RBIs in 20 games, so it’s not like hit his way into the majors or anything. That being said, Washington felt the need to shake things up with Zimmerman and first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse currently on the shelf for the near future.  Harper will add some much-needed talent to an outfield that features such luminaries as Roger Bernadina, Xavier Nady and the immortal Rick Ankiel, along with the dependable but disappointing Jayson Werth.  It’s hard to be optimistic about Harper’s chances to be an extremely productive bat, but he has about a month to prove himself before Morse is expected to return to the lineup. Expect a .240 average, some decent power numbers and a ton of strikeouts for Harper as long as he remains in the majors.  However Harper should be a speculative add in all leagues due to his prospect pedigree and the fact that he is more or less guaranteed regular playing time for the foreseeable future.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Harper’s call-up doesn’t affect many useful fantasy assets. Bernadina (currently batting .167) and Nady (currently batting .140) have been seeing the majority of time in left field for Washington as of late, so it’s no surprise the Nats organization felt the desire to turn to Harper.  Harper should slide right into left field on most days, but he has the potential to fill in at center field if needed there.

Players This Helps

Harper

Players This Hurts

Bernadina (Headed to the bench)

Nady (Headed to the bench)

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