Our Prayers Are Answered: Harper Returns Against Brewers

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After missing 31 games with left knee bursitis suffered when he crashed into the wall in Los Angeles, Bryce Harper will return to the Nationals’ lineup today against the Brewers. After yesterday’s 13-run outburst moved the Nats to 28th in baseball in runs scored, Harper’s return could move them quickly up those ranks. They trail the White Sox by just three runs for 26th in baseball, and Harper was hitting .287/.386/.587 when he went on the DL. The second half of the season starts today, and it is a brand new one for the Nationals with the return of their star left fielder. The first challenge he will face is Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo is having a down season by his standards, with a 4.20 ERA and a 6-7 record, but has improved that ERA by 0.85 runs over the month of June. He had three consecutive scoreless outings spanning 21 innings in the middle of the month before allowing three runs in just four innings in his most recent start. The Nationals will be happy to have Jordan Zimmermann on the mound, who continues to establish himself as the team’s ace this season. He is now 11-3 with a 2.28 ERA, and leads baseball with a 1.09 home ERA. He has not lost a home start in over a year. Today looks like a great day to be a Nats fan. Here are tonight’s lineups:

Jun 25, 2013; Woodbridge, VA, USA; Potomac Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (32) motions for the runner to slide in the third inning against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Pfitzner Stadium. Harper plays for Potomac in a rehab assignment. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Washington

Denard Span CF

Jayson Werth RF

Harper LF

Ryan Zimmerman 3B

Adam LaRoche 1B

Ian Desmond SS

Anthony Rendon 2B

Kurt Suzuki C

Zimmermann RHP

Milwaukee

Norichika Aoki RF