Nats believe Harper-Papelbon feud no longer an issue

The last time Washington Nationals teammates Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper shared the dugout, they were involved in a heated exchange that resulted in the closer choking the reigning National League MVP.

Fast forward four months and other Washington players don't believe any animosity has carried over as the team gears up for spring training.

"We have arguments and fights and move on," one anonymous Nationals player told James Wagner of the Washington Post. "I don't think it'll affect the clubhouse. I think, as a clubhouse, it'll be fine. It's water under the bridge. (Harper and Papelbon) don't have to go to dinner or everything but the goal is try and win."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

It was reported in November that Harper reached out to Papelbon with a phone call, and a Nationals staffer said the two were "fine together."

The Nationals were rumored to be shopping Papelbon over the winter, but traded setup man Drew Storen instead, keeping Papelbon in Washington for the 2016 season. Though Papelbon's presence isn't perceived as an issue with his teammates moving forward, the same might not be said of the fan base.

"No one has a problem with (Papelbon) in reality," said another Nationals player. "That was a problem between the two of them. Some fans may not forget because, for them, Harper is No. 1."

Manager Dusty Baker was brought in to restore some order in the clubhouse and help sort out a team that was a favorite to win the World Series last year, but ended up missing the postseason entirely.

Papelbon's established himself as one of the game's premier closers since breaking into the league in 2005, but struggled during his short stint in Washington last season, which ended with a suspension stemming from his altercation with Harper. He'll return to the closer's role in February when pitchers and catchers report to camp.