It's official - the Washington Nationals' prized hitting prospect, Bryce Harper, who strained his right hamstring running the bases Thursday, will be placed on the 7-day disabled list. Via Mark Zuckerman of CSNwashington.com:
Class AA Harrisburg has placed Bryce Harper on the 7-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, a move that doesn't officially end the 18-year-old's first professional season but almost certainly ensures it.
Harper was examined by a doctor in Harrisburg Friday evening, an examination that confirmed the hamstring strain he suffered Thursday in Akron.
Harrisburg's season ends Sept. 5, meaning Harper would miss the final 18 games of the team's campaign. Harper has performed well in the minor leagues this year, batting .297 with 17 home runs and 58 runs batted in at Harrisburg and Hagerstown. Even if the hamstring injury lingers, as they are apt to do, Harper should still be healthy and ready to play in the Arizona Fall League, which begins play in mid-October.