Most likely due to frustration, Bryce Harper vented earlier this week about the Washington Nationals struggles with a long list of starters injured. Washingotn has lost players like Anthony Rendon, Adam Eaton and Daniel Murphy, prompting Harper to say “We’re 13-16 with the Syracuse Sky Chiefs,” in reference to the Syracuse Chiefs, the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate.
While it could be viewed as a harsh criticism of some of the younger players called up and asked to fill roles of injured players, the Nationals have taken Harper’s criticism in stride. Closer Sean Doolittle revealed the bullpen has been heckling Harper with “Sky Chiefs” chants, while he is playing in the outfield.
Doolittle said the relievers have been heckling Harper with some “Sky Chiefs” chants from the bullpen.
“It’s one of those things we’ve been having fun with over the last few days. It’s all good.”
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 3, 2018
Then on Friday ahead of their series-opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, some of those players took the ribbing a step further, dawning Syracuse Chiefs t-shirts all in fun.
The 2018 Syracuse Sky Chiefs pic.twitter.com/hWnvohEegY
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) May 4, 2018
Ironically, since Harper’s “Sky Chiefs” reference the Nationals has gone without blemish winning three straight as they are on a five-game win streak. Once 11-16, the Nationals are at .500 and four games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East.
