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Nationals’ Harper, Papelbon in dugout fight in loss to Phils

Washington Nationals' Matt den Dekker, left, has his batting helmet taken off by teammate Bryce Harper, center, as the team celebrates his home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Washington Nationals' Matt den Dekker, left, has his batting helmet taken off by teammate Bryce Harper, center, as the team celebrates his home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

By Associated Press 3 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – NL MVP front-runner Bryce Harper and Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon got into a dugout fight a day after Washington was eliminated from playoff contention, tangling in the eighth inning Sunday of a 12-5 loss to last-place Philadelphia.

In the ninth, Papelbon gave up Andres Blanco’s go-ahead homer as the Phillies scored eight times.

Harper flied out in the eighth with the score 4-all. As he returned to the dugout, he exchanged words with Papelbon, who was acquired from Philadelphia in July to help with a possible postseason push.

Papelbon then reached for Harper’s throat with his left hand and shoved the outfielder back toward the bench with both arms. Teammates pulled the pair apart.

Harper was replaced in right field for the ninth.