The nadir of the Nationals’ disappointing 2015 season was supposed to be yesterday, after officially being eliminated from the playoffs (thanks a lot, New York Mets). But relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon made today’s game against the Phillies memorable for all the wrong reasons when he charged outfielder Bryce Harper during a heated dugout argument:
Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper? Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper. pic.twitter.com/T2qof97Ymh
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 27, 2015
Papelbon was apparently upset that Harper didn’t hustle after hitting a pop-up fly in the eighth inning. According to The Washington Post, “After Harper flied out and jogged to first base, Papelbon appeared to say, ‘Run that out,’ to the outfielder from the top step of the dugout as Harper walked off the field. Papelbon and Harper kept talking as Harper walked down the dugout steps. The conversation got more heated and escalated into yelling, and then Papelbon reached for Harper’s neck.”
#Natitude Update: pic.twitter.com/CbhRWX9qcC
— Zoo With Roy (@zoowithroy) September 27, 2015
Jonathan Papelbon looks like if all the members of Smashmouth and Nickelback had sex with each other.
— OHB (@ohholybutt) September 27, 2015
The Jonathan Papelbon – Bryce Harper spat inspired @Benstonium to put together a classic video game homage pic.twitter.com/2MDTvWak1Z
— The Cauldron (@TheCauldron) September 27, 2015
But it’s all okay now! After the game, Papelbon said, “I’m in the wrong there. I’ve got to leave it up to our manager. There’s a lot of competition. It’s a long season, it’s a grind and I think we’re going to handle that in-house and stuff like that. I talked to Bryce and told him how I feel. We’re on the same page now.”
Harper said that they “are good now,” and manager Matt Williams explained, “A lot of testosterone flowing among young men competing. This is a family issue and we’ll deal with it that way.”
As for the game itself, the Nats lost: “in the bottom of the 9th, Papelbon gave up a two-run home run to give the Phillies the lead.”