Josh Harrison
Josh Harrison has been one of the hottest hitters thus far for the Nationals. How majestic was his three run home run in game one against the Yankees? Unfortunately, that is all the offense the speedy second baseman was able to produce.
Harrison finished the series 1-13 with the lone long ball. Hitting in the number two spot in the order he faces a lot of pressure. He either has to drive Trea Turner in, or get on base for Juan Soto and company to drive in. Against the Yankees, he did neither.
In game two, Harrison had a chance to put some runs on the board early against Corey Kluber, when he came to the plate with the bases loaded. He grounded into a fielder’s choice, which didn’t score a run. He finished the extra-inning game 0-5 with three strikeouts.
In the series finale, Turner reached base three times ahead of him. Harrison flew out every time. Having multiple runners on base ahead of Juan Soto is really going to put pressure on opposing pitchers as well as give the Nationals their best scoring opportunities. The opportunities were there against the Yankees, Harrison just couldn’t contribute.
With Luis Garcia lurking in the minors, Harrison would be well served to keep his production levels up, or face losing his starting job.