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Washington Nationals Reaction: Biggest Takeaways from Saturday’s Loss in Cincinnati

By Matt Weyrich

Jun 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa hits a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa hits a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper prepares in the dugout at the beginning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper prepares in the dugout at the beginning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryce’s Slump is a Little Concerning

Bryce Harper is a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s the best player on the Nats when things are going his way, and as evidenced by his trophy case, the best player in the National League as well. However, right now Harper is in a slump, and as the weeks of his struggles have drawn on, it’s starting to get a little concerning.

After taking home NL Player of the Month honors for the month of April, Bryce hit a measly .200/.422/.363. He led the league with 31 walks during the calendar month, as pitchers stopped giving him many pitches to hit. Now, he’s forced to make good contact on the few pitches that are in the zone. The results haven’t been ideal.

"“You have to understand you may only get one or two [good] pitches a game. If you don’t hit them, it’s your fault.” – Bryce Harper (h/t Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post)"

Daniel Murphy has taken over as the team’s best hitter, leading the league with a .379 batting average. Harper may still be the top talent on this roster, but can he make the adjustments to get back on track?

Now, I fully expect Harper to return to doing superman-esque things. However, right now he can’t buy a hit to save his life, and how long will the Nats have to wait before he starts hitting again? It’s a concerning question, one that not many thought we’d be asking in June prior to the season. He will figure out things eventually, but for now Washington is just going to have to buckle down and ride it out.

Next: Anthony Rendon is Back

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