Nationals' Bryce Harper: Gets day off Sunday

Harper (rest) is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Padres, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

It appears manager Dusty Baker is simply giving Harper a regular day off, as his last one was all the way back on June 30. Harper was 0-for-7 at the plate during the first two games of this series, so that, mixed with the fact that the Nationals are facing lefty Christian Friedrich on Sunday, all added up to be perfect timing for a maintenance day. In his stead, Chris Heisey will get the call in right field.