Bryce Harper Recalled: Does This Clinch the East for the Washington Nationals?

In Major League Baseball, as in life, timing can be everything. And timing certainly worked out for both the Washington Nationals and highly touted prospect Bryce Harper.

The Nationals announced on Friday that Harper would make his highly anticipated major-league debut on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

Not since April 1989, when young Ken Griffey Jr. made his debut for the Seattle Mariners at the same tender age of 19, has the baseball world seen such a buzz centered on any one prospect. However, does the move actually make sense for the Nationals, or is it merely a way to sell tickets?

The move makes sense for several reasons. First, the Nats are atop the National League East, and at 14-5 are off to the hottest start since the franchise’s humble beginnings in Montreal. Second, with Ryan Zimmerman recently placed on the disabled list with an ongoing inflamed AC joint in his right shoulder, and Michael Morse currently shelved indefinitely with a back muscle injury, the Nats want to do all they can to maintain and build on their early season momentum.

There are more than a few Harper supporters who firmly believe that the youngster is indeed ready for prime time, including the injured Zimmerman.

"He does too many things that can help us win games," Zimmerman told the Washington Post. "That’s the goal up here now. Two or three years ago, it was, let’s prepare these kids and make sure they’re ready to play whenever we get good. Well, whenever we get good is now."

GM Mike Rizzo had other options, namely Mark Teahen and Jason Michaels, both of whom have experience at the major-league level. But neither of them carry the potential cache and skill set of Harper.

As to what the immediate plans are for Harper? Manager Davey Johnson left no doubt as to whether or not Harper is just window dressing.

"Yes," Johnson said, when asked if Harper would play every day. "As far as I’m concerned, he’s earned the right to have the opportunity. He fits what we’re looking for. A good player coming up to the big leagues is the way I look at it."

Ironically, Harper will make his debut in left field on Saturday night with fellow overall first-round draft pick Stephen Strasburg on the mound. Strasburg carried almost the same amount of hype after he was selected first overall by the Nats in 2009.

Now, the two could very well play an integral role in the team’s drive for the postseason, something not seen in the franchise since 1981.

In addition, the NL East division suddenly looks wide open. With the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies both stumbling out of the gate, the Nats look a whole lot more palatable as a pick for a postseason berth.

Morse is likely gone to the team until mid-season, so Harper will be given time to show he’s ready. Don’t expect Johnson to have a short leash.

"He’s been swinging the bat good, and he fits the bill in organization to come up," Johnson said. "And he’s going to play. Enough said."

Rizzo also denounced any notion that the move to promote Harper was premature.

"We had a development plan in mind," Rizzo said. "We still have a plan. If we didn’t think he could perform in the major leagues and not hurt his developmental plan, we wouldn’t make the move."

The Nationals are indeed off to a blazing start, and there have certainly been many cases of teams in the past who got off to hot starts only to fizzle later down the road (2011 Indians, anyone?).

However, the Nats could very well prove to be the exception. Zimmerman’s injury is not considered serious, and he should be able to return on May 6. The starting rotation has been outstanding, and despite injuries to both Drew Storen and Brad Lidge, the bullpen has been terrific as well. Their team ERA of 2.20 is by far the best in the National League, and the offense should continue to improve as the season progresses.

Add in the potential of what Harper can bring to that offense, and there is certainly a recipe for success. There will no doubt be detractors who will be accusing the Nats of a publicity stunt concerning Harper’s call-up, but the move is in fact timely, and does makes sense.

With the uncertainty of the returns of both Ryan Howard and Chase Utley in Philly, combined with the Marlins' inability to find a solid chemistry in Miami, Harper very well could be the final piece to the puzzle that helps the Nationals to win the National League East.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

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