Harper's suspension reduced to 3 games

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper - initially suspended for four games after a fight with San Francisco Giants right-hander Hunter Strickland on Memorial Day - had his suspension reduced to three games Wednesday, the club announced.

The 24-year-old will begin serving his suspension Wednesday. That would make him eligible to return Sunday versus the Oakland Athletics.

Harper earned the suspension for charging at Strickland on the mound after taking a 98-mph fastball to the thigh this past Monday. After throwing his helmet in anger, the 2015 National League MVP exchanged punches with Strickland before benches cleared between the Nationals and Giants.

Harper is hitting .322/.433/.644 with 41 RBIs and is tied for the National League lead in home runs with 15.

Strickland was handed an six-game ban for his part in Monday's melee.