Nationals game blog: Bryce Harper looks to spark Nats' offense early

By Josh Land

Nationals

August 01, 2015, 3:07pm

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FLUSHING, N.Y. - Nationals manager Matt Williams said he had a talk with Bryce Harper after last night's 11th-inning ejection. Williams chose not to expand on the conversation. Following the 2-1 loss, Williams repeatedly said of Harper, "he needs to stay in the baseball game."

Williams moved Harper up to third in the lineup to maximize his opportunities against Mets starter Jacob deGrom. Harper is 3-for-10 with a double and a walk in his career against the right-handed ace.

After a slow start in July, Michael A. Taylor finished the month on a tear, hitting .324/.350./.568 with a .918 OPS over the final nine games. The rookie's 41 RBIs are third highest on the Nationals trailing only Harper (68) and Wilson Ramos (42).

"In a normal game as we mapped it out before we left spring training, he wouldn't have these kinds of opportunities," Williams said. "He's dealt with it well. He's maturing as a player. He's in a spot in the lineup where potentially - whether it's seven or eight - he gives us a lot of things. The other days as an example, he stole second base with the pitcher at the plate. In the seven hole, he's had opportunity to drive big runs in for us. He loves to play ... wants to play every day."

Nationals starter Joe Ross will see new Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes in the first inning. The slugger hit .293 with 18 homers, 28 doubles and 61 RBIs for Detroit this season before New York acquired him at yesterday's non-waiver trade deadline.