/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5727580/140137378.jpg)
The Washington Nationals made a big announcement Friday afternoon, as the team place Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list for a right shoulder injury and called up blue-chip prospect Bryce Harper to the MLB club.
The 19-year-old outfielder will make his debut Saturday in Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers according to Mike Rizzo who made the annoucement.
Harper has played just 20 games at AAA in 2012 where he has hit .250 with one home run and three RBIs in 72 at-bats.
As for the timing of the call-up of Harper, Rizzo says it was not planned to happen now.
"This isn't the coming out party for Bryce that we had in mind. This isn't the optimal situation developmentally....This was expedited by the circumstances and 2 of our middle of the lineup guys going down."
Interestingly enough, Stephen Strasberg is the scheduled starter for Saturday night's game in Los Angeles.
For more updates on this story, stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, visit Federal Baseball. Still not enough baseball for you? Visit the SB Nation MLB Hub Page, Baseball Nation, for all the latest news from all 30 MLB teams.