Bryce Harper and Jonathan Papelbon fight in Nats dugout

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 27, 2015, 12:41pm

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Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo made a questionable trade at the deadline, acquiring controversial closer Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies. In the eighth inning of today's 12-5 loss to the Phillies, Papelbon attacked National League Most Valuable Player candidate Bryce Harper in the Nationals dugout. The two fought for seconds as Nationals players and coaches battled to separate them.

Harper had just led off the eighth with a fly out to left field. As he retreated back to the dugout, Papelbon, who was leaning against the top dugout railing, appeared to mouth to Harper "Run that out." Harper bristled back and the two continued yelling at each other as Harper made his way down the dugout steps.

As the two Nationals stood face to face arguing, Papelbon aggressively lunged at the slugger, appearing to put his hands in a chokehold around Harper's throat.

Ian Desmond, Trea Turner and Nationals hitting coach Rick Schu were among those in the dugout who pulled the two apart.

When the ninth inning began, Nationals manager Matt Williams sent Papelbon back out to the mound. Meanwhile, Harper left the game, replaced in right field by Matt den Dekker as Tyler Moore came in to play left field.

With the game tied 4-4, Papelbon proceed to surrender a go-ahead two-run homer to Andres Blanco. The Phillies ended up plating eight runs in the frame.