Bryce Harper Suspension for Giants Brawl Reportedly Reduced to 3 Games

Upon appeal, Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper's suspension for his role in a brawl with San Francisco Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland was reduced to three games Wednesday.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the decision.

Harper was initially suspended four games.

During the eighth inning of Monday's game, Strickland drilled Harper in the hip with a fastball, which resulted in Harper charging the mound and punches being thrown.

Both players were ejected, and Strickland was given a six-game ban.

It is widely believed that Strickland purposely hit Harper in retaliation for Harper mashing a pair of mammoth home runs against him and showboating during the 2014 playoffs.

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Harper's camp believed his suspension deserved to be reduced due to the sudden nature and natural escalation of the incident.

Harper is putting up MVP-caliber numbers this season with a .322 batting average, 15 home runs and 41 RBI. The 24-year-old superstar has helped lead the Nats to a National League-best start of 32-19.

In four games without Harper this season, the Nationals are 2-2.