Washington Nationals: 5 storylines to watch as Nats visit Marlins Park
By Drew Douglas
Bryce Harper’s mini slump
Bryce Harper is hitless in his last ten at-bats and didn’t get a hit against Colorado; EVERYONE PANIC!
In all seriousness, the Nats’ star outfielder will be just fine. Sure, it’s tough to watch him swing at two straight pitches in the dirt en route to making the last out against Greg Holland. Sure, it’s tough to watch him have two straight games with two strikeouts, but this happens over the course of a 162-game season.
Harper had a series to forget against Colorado and is still hitting .329 with 27 homers. There is no reason to worry.
Entering the Colorado series, Harper had a 19-game hitting streak and was hitting .429 throughout July. Even after his dreadful series, he’s hitting .379 in July.
A trip to Miami could be just what the doctor ordered for Harper to break out of his mini slump. In 89 career games against the Marlins, he has a .301/.393/.583 slash line with 22 homers. His .301 average is his fourth-best against any team he’s played at least ten times. His 22 homers are also the most he’s hit against any team, which is really impressive considering half the games he plays against Miami are played at Marlins Park, one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in the league.
Harper will also be one of the most rested players on the Nats. While he didn’t get a day off, he got the second game of Sunday’s double-header off. The Nats will be tired in Miami since they’re getting there late after a 7:40 pm game on Sunday night, which was also part of a double-header.
Between the series being played at Marlins Park and the Nats being tired, offense could potentially be at a premium. If the Nats are going to win this series, they need their star to return to form.