Bryce Harper: Predictions for Rookie Phenom in Home Debut

Bryce Harper is set to make his home debut for the Washington Nationals as the Arizona Diamondbacks come to town tonight.

Harper has gotten his very young career (two games) off to a solid start, picking up two hits in six at-bats and driving in one run.

Both of those games were on the road and with the rookie phenom set to finally come home, he should feel more comfortable than he did in the first two games of his career. Not only will being home help that, but Harper also won't have to deal with the boos he heard from the Los Angeles Dodgers' crowd.

Here are some predictions for Harper's first game in Washington.

First career home run

Harper has great power but has yet to hit his first career home run in the major leagues.

With a little friendlier crowd behind him and a struggling pitcher in Trevor Cahill on the mound, Harper should be able to take advantage of a mistake given to him and will hit his first career homer for the Nats.

Washington's offense has been struggling mightily and driving in runs is why Harper is already in the majors. His first career home run will be much appreciated and a great sign of things to come for Harper's career.

Outfield assist

After a highlight-reel catch against the Dodgers, it's clear that Harper knows how to handle the glove in the outfield. But this time, it's his arm that will do the talking.

Harper will be at a corner outfield position for tonight's game with the return of Jayson Werth to the lineup and most likely that will be left field.

Look for Harper to be tested by the Diamondbacks' base-runners as the rookie hasn't really had that opportunity yet. Like he's done most of his life in the game of baseball, Harper will once again impress, this time with his arm, and will get his first career assist from the outfield.

Nats win!

The Nats are on a four-game losing streak and are having a hell of a time scoring runs for one of the best rotations in baseball.

With a little help from their rookie phenom's bat and glove, the Nationals should be able to get over the hump and end their five-game losing streak.

Harper is set to break out in his first series at home and that will give a huge boost to this team as a whole. It could be the beginning of what will be a scary-good team when they put it all together.

Final score: Nats 6, D-Backs 3