Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper played seven innings in his rehab debut for Double-A Harrisburg Thursday, his first extended game action since suffering a thumb injury in late April.
Harper went 1 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout before he was lifted in the seventh inning. His early exit was to be expected, as the team's plan all along has called for Harper to play seven innings Thursday. He will then play a full nine innings Friday, before taking Saturday off and playing Sunday.
Manager Matt Williams told MLB.com he thinks Harper could return to the Nationals lineup as early as Monday in Colorado.