VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals optioned top prospect Bryce Harper to Class-A Hagerstown, saying the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft needs to get more playing time to prepare for the season.
The 18-year-old Harper, who hit .389 in 13 spring games, was disappointed but determined to make it back to the big leagues as soon as possible.
“He needs to go down to the minor leagues and get four or five at-bats per game to prepare himself for the season,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. “And that was the reason we got him out. He was getting one or two at-bats a game here, playing in spurts, and he needs to get prepared for the season and get plenty of at-bats and plenty of reps in the outfield.”
Phillies GM receives new deal
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. agreed to a four-year contract extension.
The Phillies have the most wins in the National League (190-134) and second-best overall, behind only the Yankees (198-126), in Amaro’s first two seasons on the job. Amaro took over for soon-to-be Hall of Famer Pat Gillick after the Phillies won the World Series in 2008.
“I’m very happy for him — it’s well-deserved,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who also received a contract extension last week.
Footnotes.
Mets catcher Ronny Paulino arrived in camp after a three-week delay because of visa problems caused by his 50-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
• The Royals optioned left-hander Everett Teaford and right-hander Kevin Pucetas to Triple-A Omaha of the Pacific Coast League.
• The Rangers moved right-hander Brett Tomko, who hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since Sept. 14, 2009, to their major-league camp.
