Bryce Harper Set to Start Rehab Assignment Tonight

Jun 22, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder

(34) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Two months after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance tonight with Single-A Potomac, the team announced via Twitter.

According to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, Harper will play at least two games for Potomac and will play all three outfield positions during his rehab stint.

"“I’m very excited to get back out there,” Harper told Ladson. “We’ll see where I’m at physically. I’ll try to go day by day, at-bat by at-bat. I try to work hard and get back where I need to be.”"

Harper sustained the injury sliding into third base in a game against the Padres April 25. After undergoing surgery a few days later, it was reported that Harper could be out until after the All-Star break.

Fortunately, it looks like Harper will be back in the lineup sooner than that. If all goes well in rehab, he could rejoin the team when they return from their seven-game road trip to face the Rockies at Nationals Park June 30.

Harper should provide a major boost for a Nationals lineup that has struggled of late and is in need of a strong left-handed presence. Prior to the injury, Harper was hitting .289 with nine RBIs for the Nationals.