Nationals manager on giving Bryce Harper the night off: 'He's not too happy with me'
Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams has the unenviable task of finding a way to get veteran third baseman/outfielder Ryan Zimmerman back into the lineup now that he's healthy, and that isn't sitting well with one of the team's budding stars.
Williams says this will probably be Harper's last day off. "He's not too happy with me, but that's OK. It's about getting Zim at-bats."
— Mark Zuckerman (@ZuckermanCSN) September 20, 2014
The Nationals activated Ryan Zimmerman (hamstring) from the disabled list ahead of Saturday's clash with the Miami Marlins, and outfielder Bryce Harper will be riding the pine to make room.
Williams and Harper have had a tumultuous relationship this season. Harper criticized his manager's lineup selections back in late June, and the pair faced a media barrage over rumors Harper would be sent to the minors after he struggled mightily through the dog days of the season.
Zimmerman can play third base, left field, and first base, so it should be interesting to see how Williams works him into the lineup for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs. Zimmerman will be competing for playing time with Anthony Rendon, Harper, and Adam LaRoche respectively at those positions.
The Nationals have already clinched the National League East title, but are still playing for home advantage throughout the playoffs.