On Tuesday's atmosphere, Turner's injury, Soto's struggles

Some morning-after thoughts following an eventful and emotional night at the ballpark, with the Nationals and Phillies turning right around to play today's series finale this afternoon ...

* Nats players were genuinely surprised by the crowd's reaction to Bryce Harper in his first game back in town as a visiting player. They didn't necessarily expect a standing ovation. But they certainly didn't expect the loudest boos they've ever heard directed at one player since this ballpark opened.

"The fans are fans; they're always going to have their opinions on us as players," Max Scherzer said. "For me as a player, I respect Bryce. To go through the free agent process is tough as a player. He chose that route, and that's something I'll always respect. Especially in today's environment, where it seems like MLB is going after every single free agent there is, the fact that he stood there and held his ground is something that all the players as a whole definitely have respect for him. We're all grateful for that."

The place was far rowdier and engaged than it typically would be on a Tuesday night in early April. That might have been to be expected, especially with large sections of Phillies fans showing up to cheer for their new star right fielder.

But Nationals players weren't prepared for the overwhelming boos that greeted Harper's every move and mention.

"I've played in some loud games. It can get pretty loud here," Ryan Zimmerman said. "Fans can do whatever they want. I don't really understand why they booed him. If I was a fan, I guess I would've cheered him. Maybe that's why, I don't know. I never understand that stuff. It was loud. But like I said, fans they can do and think whatever they want."

Players also didn't seem to take any issue with Harper's bat flip toward their dugout following his eighth-inning homer off Jeremy Hellickson.

"Everyone flips their bats now," Zimmerman said. "Everyone flips their bats, everyone dances when they strike you out. It is what it is."

* Trea Turner's broken right index finger obviously was the most important development from the game. The Nationals aren't offering up any timetable for his return, but clearly it's going to be a while. Most players who break their finger or wrist need at least six to eight weeks to make it back.

With the quick turnaround to today's matinee, the Nats are going to attempt to get a replacement player here in time for the 1:05 p.m. first pitch. But it's going to be tricky. All minor leaguers have now reported to their respective affiliates, and that means all of the Nationals' Triple-A players already were on their way to Fresno when the injury occurred.

The Nationals elected to keep one experienced starting pitcher (Erick Fedde) and one experienced catcher (Spencer Kieboom) at Double-A Harrisburg so they could be available if a quick call-up was needed. But they didn't keep any major-league-ready infielders or outfielders there.

Davey Martinez said Wilmer Difo is going to be the starting shortstop in Turner's absence, so you wouldn't think the organization is going to promote top prospect Carter Kieboom and have him sit on the bench. That would suggest Adrián Sanchez is going to making a harried trip from Fresno to Washington to serve as the backup infielder for now.

Also worth noting: Howie Kendrick is eligible to come off the injured list Thursday. But the Nats still need someone else who can play shortstop in addition to Difo, so Kendrick probably isn't the answer to replace Turner on the roster.

* Juan Soto had another rough night at the plate, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He has now struck out in nine of his 17 plate appearances on the season, a stunning development.

Pitchers aren't giving the 20-year-old much to hit, certainly not fastballs. He hasn't been able to make the adjustment so far.

Martinez's advice for Soto: "Go back to taking walks, and swinging at strikes."

* The Nationals bullpen has now allowed 16 earned runs, 23 hits and six walks in 11 1/3 innings this season. Suffice it to say, that's going to have to change. And soon.