MLB rumors: Nationals’ Mike Rizzo defends Bryce Harper, rips anonymous report | ‘Total B.S.’

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become a free agent after the 2018 season. A report Tuesday by FanRag Sports quoted an anonymous NL executive who harshly criticized Harper. Nationals manager Mike Rizzo ripped the report before the 3-0 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 (6/12/18).

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper returned to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday for a two-game series between the first-place teams.

Before the 3-0 win by the Yankees, a report surfaced that contained several red flags on Harper, who will become a free agent after the 2018 season.

In the report by FanRag Sports, an anonymous NL executive called Harper “overrated” and “a losing player.”

Nationals manager Mike Rizzo took exception to the report, and blasted it, while meeting with reporters during batting practice Tuesday, per the Washington Post:

“I think it’s just totally unfair on so many levels,” Rizzo said. “First of all, the premise is entirely wrong. Bryce Harper s a winner. He’s been a winner his whole life. He’s been a rookie of the year, five-time all-star, an MVP. He’s won more games since he’s been called up to the big leagues than any player in the major leagues.

“So how is that a loser? This guy has done nothing but been a tremendous advocate for the Washington Nationals — between the lines, in the dugout, in the clubhouse and in the community. His charitable endeavors and his philanthropic efforts have been second to none. Two fields in Washington, D.C., with his name on it, for the kids. So he’s as far from a loser as you can possibly get. He’s a champion. He’s a winner. Always has been. Always will be.  And these anonymous quotes from these unnamed sources like a National League executive, it’s cowardly, it’s chicken s***, and it’s gutless.

“This is yellow journalism. This is sensationalism,” Rizzo said. “This is somebody that nobody knows about writing something outrageous from a source nobody can confirm to get name recognition and clicks on some kind of blog. We’ll never see this person, this National League executive. Obviously, he’s never been with Harper or knows Harper because if he was then he would not have said what he said about him being a loser and about he cares only for himself.

“It’s total bull**** and it’s something that should be exposed for what it is. And it’s either just being a hater or — it’s certainly unprofessional. If I found out someone in my organization said that, they would be fired the next day. And hopefully when I find out who this guy is, I’ll take care of that in my own way, but he should be fired also because, first of all, he can’t evaluate because Harper’s one of the best players in the league and one of the great advocates for the Washington Nationals.”

Yanks’ dream lineup with Bryce Harper

Harper was hit by a pitch twice in Tuesday’s loss and left the game in the eighth inning.

He’s hitting just .228 this season but leads the National League with 19 home runs.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.