WASHINGTON — Just like Stephen Strasburg a year ago, it appears that Bryce Harper and the Nationals will come down to the midnight Monday deadline in an attempt to reach a contract agreement.
Harper, a 17-year-old slugger, is represented by Scott Boras, who is known for playing hardball during negotiations.
“If (Harper) wants to play here, he’s going to play here,” Strasburg said Sunday. “If he doesn’t want to play here, then we don’t want him here.”
Footnotes.
Braves right-hander Kris Medlen is having elbow ligament replacement surgery Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the season.
• Rangers starter Rich Harden is back on the disabled list, this time with tendinitis in his right shoulder. Outfielder Brandon Boggs was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
• The Blue Jays placed reliever David Purcey on the 15-day DL and recalled left-hander Jesse Carlson from Triple-A Las Vegas.
• The Twins plan to reinstate infielder Nick Punto from the 15-day DL before their next game, which is Tuesday against the White Sox.
• Designated hitter Travis Hafner was activated from the DL by the Indians, who optioned Jordan Brown to Triple-A Columbus.
• The Reds activated right- hander Homer Bailey off the 15-day DL and optioned infielder Juan Francisco to Triple-A Louisville.
The Associated Press
