Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper changed his appearance, but it did little to help cut his team's losing streak.
The Nationals suffered its fourth consecutive loss after the team fell to the New York Yankees 4-2 on Monday, June 18. The Nationals also dropped their last three games against the Toronto Blue Jays. Prior to the Yankees game, Harper shaved his beard, but there was no specific reason as to why he did it.
Trying To Change His Luck
Sports pundits argue that the new look may result in Harper's poor performance this season. The five-time Major Baseball League All-Star is averaging .217 this season. As of this writing, the Nationals are currently sitting in the fifth spot of the MLB National League standings with a 38-32 win-loss record.
The Nationals are currently chasing the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs. The aforementioned teams are currently at the fourth, third, and second spots, respectively. The Atlanta Braves lead the National League with an outstanding 42-29 slate.
In addition, the 2015 National League Most Valuable Player awardee hasn't been that impressive in the past few months, finishing May with a stat line of .223/.289/.563. He is currently batting at .146 to go along with one home run and three RBIs.
Nonetheless, Harper is confident that he could turn his fortunes around in the coming games. The Nationals will be hosting a three-game homestand against Baltimore starting this Tuesday.
"I feel great. Just missing pitches," said a confident Harper who is also a former Rookie of the Year awardee.
Harper struggled in the Nationals' 8-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. He went 0-for-5 from the field while failing to get to the base three times. If one boneheaded play was not enough, Harper fumbled an opportunity to score the go-ahead hit that would've given the Nationals the upper hand.
In addition, the former MVP is also ranked 53rd among the 159 hitters based on wOBA. Regardless of his poor performance, Harper is still in the upper rungs of the National League when it comes to home runs and is second overall in the Majors after Mike Trout.
Right after the Baltimore game, the Nationals will be hosting another three-game homestand against Philadelphia. Washington will then head to Tampa Bay, before traveling to the City of Brotherly Love to take on Philadelphia to close out this month.
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