Nationals punish Bryce Harper for fight with Jonathan Papelbon

The Nationals punished outfielder Bryce Harper for his role in yesterday's dugout fight with closer Jonathan Papelbon by sitting the star slugger for this afternoon's game against the Reds.

During his pregame press conference, Nationals manager Matt Williams struggled while attempting to give a clear explanation of what Harper did wrong to receive the penalty.

"I don't know what he could've done differently, but he was involved in it," Williams said. "So that being said, we have to govern ourselves the way we govern ourselves. And for that reason, we have to address it. We would all assume and wish that it didn't happen, but it did. And now we have to address it."

An interpretation of Papelbon's four-game suspension without pay from the Nationals wasn't required after the 11-year veteran was seen lunging at Harper and using a chokehold.

But what did Harper do to warrant the discipline?

"I can tell you from my view of the incident, he said something to Jonathan and he played a part in the incident," Williams explained. "That being said, we reflect that within the punishment to Jonathan and his aggression and we also reflect that with Bryce being out of the lineup today."

So in a historic season which will most likely end with Harper winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award, the unfortunate lasting image will be of the budding star stomping down the clubhouse ramp after an embarrassing and unnecessary fight. Not to mention, the home fans never received the chance to properly recognize Harper's amazing year.

"It's disappointing in that regard, but he's provided them with great moments, everybody with great moments," Williams said. "We're very proud of Byrce and the fact that he's had such a great year. We're also very proud of the way we go about it and how we compete with the other team. So he's out of the lineup today."

Papelbon instigated the fight by directing Harper to hustle down the first base line after hitting a fly ball to left field. Williams offered his account of the play this afternoon.

"With regard to yesterday, I don't see issue with what he did when he hit the ball in the air and went to first base," Williams said. "Now could he have run harder? Yes. But there are many of instances that everybody could during the course of a season.

"But that being said, (Harper) is frustrated at that point. And that's understandable. It's understandable from a coach's perspective and from an organization's perspective that he would be frustrated if he got a pitch to hit and didn't hit it properly or the way he wanted to. But the fact of the matter is, he made it to first base. If that ball drops, he's on first at least."

Harper's .339/.470/.663 slash line leads the majors and his 41 homers and 117 runs scored are tops in the NL. At 22, Harper is the youngest player since Babe Ruth (25) in 1920 to smack 41 home runs and draw 123 walks.

While teammates dealt with nagging injuries, Harper also suited up nearly every night while keeping the Nationals afloat. Today's game is only the eighth contest of the season that Harper hasn't played in.

"My view of the way Bryce plays the game is that he wears his emotions in his sleeve," Williams said. "And that happens every single day. So if he's upset about something, everybody can see it. And that's important for him. It's important for him to feel that way and play that way. I think he's the best player he can be when he does."