Washington Nationals Minor Leaguer Bryce Harper Promoted to Double-A

It seems that Washington Nationals first-round picks have a knack for shooting through the minor leagues. One year removed from Stephen Strasburg's firestorm of a minor league campaign, the Nats' newest highly-touted prospect Bryce Harper is already moving up to Double-A ball.

According to a MLB.com release, Harper has been promoted to the Nationals Double-A affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators. The power hitting lefty was batting .318 with 18 home runs and 36 RBIs in Single-A ball and just played in the league's All-Star game.

The notoriously talented Harper got some publicity earlier this year for blowing a kiss to the pitcher after a home run, but he earned some positive press also. After getting prescribed contact lenses, Harper went on a 20-game tear in which he batted .480 for his Single-A team.

And add this in a long line of recognition for Harper this season. He's also expected to play for the U.S. team in the All-Star Futures game in Arizona on July 10.