Harper hits the free agent market after registering a 4.04 ERA in 34 relief appearances for the Nats in 2021.

Harper spent just a day in Triple-A before taking the place of Joe Ross, as Ross is on the injured list with elbow inflammation. The right-hander has been excellent in a limited sample with a 0.93 ERA in 9 2/3 innings. 

The 32-year-old hurler get squeezed off of the roster with Kyle Finnegan and Erick Fedde returning from the injured list on Tuesday. Harper owns a brilliant 0.93 ERA, 0.52 WHIP and 6/2 K/BB ratio through 9 2/3 innings with the Nationals this season. You have to think he'll get another opportunity in relatively short order.

Harper is back in the majors with Tanner Rainey (tibia) landing on the injured list. The 32-year-old has compiled a 1.13 ERA and 5/2 K/BB ratio over eight innings during his time in the majors this year and figures to operate in middle relief.