PHILADELPHIA – The Washington Nationals are showing signs that their offense is beginning to awaken.
Now they are hoping for a return by their most dangerous hitter.
The National League East leaders opened a nine-game road trip by sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the last two games despite the absence of Bryce Harper, the reigning National League MVP, with a bruised right knee.
Harper was injured when he was hit by a pitch from Philadelphia’s Jeremy Hellickson on Monday. He is hitting just .242 this season, but his 13 homers and 34 RBIs lead the club.
Manager Dusty Baker was asked after Wednesday’s 7-2 victory over the Phillies if he expects to have Harper for Friday’s series opener against the Reds.
“I expect, but I don’t know,” Baker said. “That day off (on Thursday) is coming right on time for him, and for us. I think we’ve gone 16 (days) in a row. I looked at Harper, he’s chomping at the bit, because I know how it is to play every day and then you’re not playing. It makes for a very boring day.”
Washington scored 12 runs the last two games of the series against the Phillies, and has notched 26 while winning four straight. Daniel Murphy (.394) remains the major leagues top hitter, and catcher Wilson Ramos, 3-for-4 with four RBIs Wednesday, is at .338.
“We’re not hot yet,” Baker said.
Beginning to simmer, though.