WATCH: Nationals’ Bryce Harper reveals why he shaved his face before Yankees game

Washington Nationals All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper answers why he shaved his face before a game against the Yankees earlier this season. Harper spoke at media availability for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on Monday, July 16, 2018. (7/16/18)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nationals star Bryce Harper sent the internet into a frenzy when he shaved his enormous beard before a quasi-doubleheader against the Yankees at Nationals Park on June 18.

Was it planned? Was it a nod to the Yankees’ famous (or infamous) facial hair policy? Or was it just simply that he needed to shave?

Harper didn’t seem thrilled to answer the question during media availability for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game at his home park — for now — on Monday.

So, he had a little fun with it.

“Because the Yankees were in town! Yeah, that’s right. Exactly. You got it. Yup. I know exactly what you’re getting to,” Harper said sarcastically.

Machado to the Phillies?

Then he was reminded he didn’t shave it the day before or the day after. Instead, he did it when he was set to face the Yankees, with whom he’s been connected for years.

It has been long speculate that Harper could end up with the Yankees during free agency this offseason. He grew up a huge Mickey Mantle fan and he’s been showered with loving chants at Yankee Stadium in the past.

“No,” he said about the timing of the trim. “The beard was getting too long. The wife wanted me to trim it up. No, we had a day off.”

The “day off “part wasn’t quite true.

The day before facing the Yankees, the Nationals were in Toronto, where they lost to the Blue Jays. The day after facing the Yankees, they beat the Orioles at home.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.