Nationals manager mum over Bryce Harper hustle conversation

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez wouldn’t say much about the conversation he had with Bryce Harper about his lack of hustle on Friday night.

Harper failed to run out what turned into a double play grounder during Washington’s 4-2 loss to the New York Mets, and Martinez said it was something he would deal with in private. On Saturday, he said he did so, but offered few other details.

Davey said he spoke to Harper, and that conversation stays between them. But: “He plays hard…one little thing happens and it gets blown out of proportion…he’s a good kid.” Praised him for wanting to be in there every day, etc.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 14, 2018

Obviously, Martinez is well within his rights to keep a private conversation with Harper private. People are going to want answers, though, given how much Washington is struggling. It wouldn’t be as big a deal if the Nats were rolling, but with both the team and Harper performing below expectations, expect him to be scrutinized even more closely than usual for the foreseeable future.