Bryce Harper looks to bust out of mini slump

Bryce Harper enters today's matinee with the Phillies without a hit in his last four games, all losses for the Nationals. The 22-year-old went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts last night and is 0-for-10 over the four games, his longest hitless streak of the season.

"He's a touch frustrated right now getting some pitches to hit and not hitting them," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "And that's human. But he's one swing away from getting right back at it. It's been a pretty special year. I want him to stay where he's at and continue to get as many base hits as he can the rest of the way. Homers will happen, doubles will happen, but if he stays short, then he'll be just fine the rest of the way."

Harper has still walked seven times during the mini slump. His .336/.468/.660 slash line continues to lead the majors.

"He's had a really good year and I know he wants to finish strong," Williams said. "He's played a lot of games too where you don't get those days off. We don't have any the rest of the year. A bunch of base hits from now until the end would be good for him."

Harper makes his 10th start of the season in center field this afternoon as rookie Michael A. Taylor rests his sore right knee and a tight hamstring.

"He's a little sore in general," Williams said. "He made two all-out dives last night, so he's a little sore today. So will give him today and nurse the knee and the hammy and the body, and he'll be back in there tomorrow."

With Taylor out and Harper in center, Jayson Werth shifts to right field while Matt den Dekker gets just his 14th overall start in left field. den Dekker, who was acquired in late March from the Mets, is hitting .216 (16-for-74) with three home runs, one triple, two doubles and nine strikeouts.

"He has really good power, surprising power," Williams said. "He's got speed. He plays all three outfield positions and is capable of doing all of that. The opportunities haven't been many because our guys play just about every day. But when he's gotten an opportunity, it's been good and he relishes the chance to get out there and play."

The Nationals also received additional outfield support when they activated veteran Reed Johnson from the 15-day DL earlier today. Johnson has not played for the Nats since injuring his left foot on a pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh inning of the epic 13-12 comeback win in Atlanta.

Johnson underwent surgery to repair the damaged tendon in his foot and was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but was able to battle back for the final nine games.

"It gives you an appreciation of health," Johnson said. "When everything seems to go wrong for you in a year, but you're still able to get that good taste in your mouth at the end of the year, that's kind of what I'm after."

The 38-year-old Johnson said he plans to play again next year. He is a career .279 hitter over 13 seasons in the majors.