Nationals teammates Bryce Harper and Jonathan Papelbon got in a fight in the dugout during Sunday’s game against the Phillies. He and Papelbon exchanged words as Harper walked back to the dugout and Papelbon lunged at Harper’s throat. The two continued to argue, then Papelbon hopped down from an elevated portion of the dugout to go after Harper.
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Ian Desmond, Trea Turner and Nationals hitting coach Rick Schu were among those in the dugout who pulled the two apart.
The Nationals entered Sunday with a 27-29 record since acquiring Papelbon in late July.
Papelbon (4-3) then loaded the bases, hitting Odubel Herrera with his final pitch before being removed by manager Matt Williams – and leaving the mound to a chorus of boos from the Nationals Park crowd.
Harper was taken out of the game and Papelbon was left in, although it sure looked like the pitcher was the instigator. Papelbon appealed, allowing him to continue playing.
Despite being picked to win the National League East by basically everyone prior to the season, the Nationals never quite put it together and are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
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Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
