Nationals GM Rizzo says club ‘disappointed’ Bryce Harper did not show at fan festival

WASHINGTON – Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said that club was “disappointed” that outfielder Bryce Harper did not show up Saturday at the NatsFest fan festival.

In a statement emailed by one of his agent’s employees, Harper said: “I have attended NatsFest each year and always enjoy my experience with the fans, but was unable to attend this year’s event due to matters out of my control. I look forward to next year’s NatsFest.”

The Major League Baseball Players Association has filed a grievance on Harper’s behalf over whether he should able to void the 2015 terms in the final season of a $9.9 million, five-year contract he signed when drafted. An arbitrator hearing could happen next week if the case isn’t settled.

“We’re disappointed he’s not here, but he chose not to be here because of the grievance,” Rizzo said.

The GM said he couldn’t discuss the grievance because it’s “a legal matter.”

Outfielder Jayson Werth met with fans Saturday but, unlike other players present, did not speak to the media.

“That was my decision,” Rizzo said.

Werth was convicted this month of reckless driving and sentenced to 10 days in jail.