The Nationals optioned Bryce Harper to AAA on Sunday.

In truth, baseball’s free-agency rules meant wearing a Nats uniform on opening day was always a longshot for the 19-year-old right fielder — no matter how well he played. Washington GM Mike Rizzo will get an additional year of Harper at age 25 — when he’ll presumably be much more talented — by sacrificing the first few months of his age 19 season.

I thought the Mike Morse injury might open a spot for Bryce. I hope he kills AAA pitching and we see him in the big leagues later this season.