HARPER NOT HUSTLING
Nationals manager Dave Martinez met with star Bryce Harper on Saturday a day after the outfielder failed to run out a ground ball in the fifth inning of Washington’s 4-2 loss to the Mets.
“I’ve spoken to Bryce, and that’s a conversation that will stay between Bryce and me,” Martinez said.
Harper came up to the plate in the fifth against hard-throwing Noah Syndergaard with one out and two runners on after singles by Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon. Syndergaard threw the 25-year old slugger a 96 mph slider and Harper hit the ball sharply, but right at Mets shortstop Amed Rosario for an inning-ending double play.
Martinez dismissed the notion that there would be any lingering issues from having a talk with his star player.
“I forgot about it. I really have,” the first-year manager said. “We have a ballgame to win today, and he’s been a big part of that.”
Although Harper is tied for second in the National League with 23 home runs, he’s hitting a career-low .214 and ranks among the NL leaders with 100 strikeouts. The six-time all-star is 8-for-45 in July and had just three hits in his past 22 at-bats entering Saturday. Harper is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.
“He wants to win. That’s all he cares about,” Martinez said. “Regardless of his average, he has 23 home runs and 53 RBIS. I believe that he’s going to hit 40 and drive in 100. I’m a big fan of Bryce. I love the kid because of what he brings every day. He’s a good kid. That’s all I can say.”
Harper will participate in Monday’s Home Run Derby and was elected to start in Tuesday’s All-star Game, set to be played at Nationals Park in Washington.
Braves closer heads to DL. ATLANTA» The Braves placed closer Arodys Vizcaino on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder.
It is Vizcaino’s second stint on the DL with the shoulder problem in four weeks. He was activated on July 3 after missing eight games.
Vizcaino has 15 saves in 17 chances but has been unavailable at times because of soreness in the shoulder. He has thrown three scoreless innings since coming off the DL.
A.J. Minter, who has four saves in a more prominent role this season, could be the primary replacement for Vizcaino.
Right-hander Peter Moylan was reinstated from the 10-day DL before Saturday’s game against Arizona.
Rays catcher likely to miss ASG.
Tampa Bay catcher Wilson Ramos is likely to miss this week’s All-star Game after leaving Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with left hamstring tightness.
Named the American League’s starting catcher, Ramos said he’s “probably” going to face a stint on the disabled list. He injured the hamstring running to first base in the sixth inning of Tampa Bay’s 19-6 win.
Ramos, who was named an all-star for the second time and first time as a starter, has hit .297 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIS this season for the Rays.
“I was very excited to participate in that game,” Ramos said. “Now, it’s very sad because I will be out of the lineup. I worked really hard to make that team.”