Mizzou in the Minors

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The Washington Nationals recently promoted their top prospect, outfielder Bryce Harper, from low-Class A Hagerstown to Class AA Harrisburg, so next week's three-game series is the first chance for Washington, D.C.-area fans to get a look at the Nationals' future.

Harper, the No. 1 pick in last year's Major League Baseball amateur draft, was hitting .318 with 14 home runs and 46 RBIs in 72 games in Hagerstown, but is off to an inauspicious start at the Class AA level, hitting .171 in his first 10 games with Harrisburg.
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Baysox pitcher Rick Zagone (3-6), who has been temporarily bumped from the rotation while Zach Britton is on a minor league rehab assignment from the Orioles, is expected to start on Monday. Zagone said he is eager to face Harper.

"One thing I've learned coming out of the pen is how to be more aggressive attacking the hitters," Zagone said. "You're only going to get one or two innings, so you have to be more aggressive. It's a completely different mindset. But I'm looking forward to getting back into the rotation. I'm looking forward to seeing [Harper]. It's going to be a really good series."