Harper grows into a leader

Young outfielder finally putting it together at plate.

There’s rarely a dull moment when it comes to Bryce Harper.

Been that way pretty much ever since the Washington Nationals brought him to the majors at age 19.

He’ll hit six home runs in a span of three games. He’ll get ejected twice in the span of seven games. He’ll earn NL Player of the Week honors, repeat that feat a week later — and when asked about the rare accomplishment, declare, “Hopefully, I win it again.”

That’s just what’s happened this month for Washington’s right fielder. Entering Thursday, an off day for the Nationals, Harper led the majors in slugging percentage (.732), on-base percentage (.472), runs (37) and walks (37), was tied for the most RBIs (38), and was second in homers (15). His batting average of .333 was tied for third-best in the NL.

“It’s hard for a young kid that’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders to produce at this level. This year we’re starting to see him kind of take a deep breath and let his talent take over,” said Ryan Zimmerman, who bats behind cleanup hitter Harper.

Entering this season, Harper’s fourth in the majors, Zimmerman and other Nationals discussed his anticipated progress.

“It was time for him to be that guy that he can be,” Zimmerman said. “There’s still a long way to go, but we’re starting to see that he’s taken that step.”

The way Harper is hitting, he’s establishing himself as a top player.

“People say ‘22-yearold kid.’ But he’s a 22-year-old man,” second baseman Dan Uggla said. “I’ve enjoyed watching him do his thing and get his work in and come to the field and be himself. He has a lot of fire in him. Everyone goes through growing pains at some point in time or another. ... I’m sure he’s gone through his fair share.”

After getting ejected from Washington’s 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday, Harper was asked whether that level of scrutiny extends to the way umpires treat him.

“I really have no idea,” he replied.

A week earlier, he was tossed in the seventh inning of a win at Arizona.

Wednesday’s early departure came following a 12-game stretch in which Harper batted .535 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs.