September 27, 2015
Earlier this week, we documented some obvious signs of discontent between Washington Nationals teammates Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper. Today against the Phillies, that tension boiled over in a big way after Harper apparently didn’t run out a fly ball:
Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper? Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper. pic.twitter.com/T2qof97Ymh
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 27, 2015
Want another angle? Sure you do:
Jonathan Papelbon & Bryce Harper Fight in Nationals Dugout pic.twitter.com/PO9kvSYmev
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) September 27, 2015
Even for Papelbon, fighting with the MVP candidate on your own team (and again, Harper should win the award) is a new one. In recent history, it’s difficult to think of a trade more harmful from a chemistry standpoint than the July deal that the Nats made to acquire Papelbon from the Phillies.
To add insult to insult, Papelbon later surrendered a two-run homer off the bat of Andres Blanco that gave the Phillies a 6-4 lead in the ninth inning. The Phils would tack on six more runs and they eventually went on to win the game, 12-5.
Just like the Phillies, the Nats season will be done next week. Unlike the Phillies, the Nats still have to deal with Jonathan Papelbon.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
