Nationals teammates Bryce Harper, Jonathan Papelbon get into dugout fight

A season that started with so many soaring expectations for the Washington Nationals crashed with a dreary thud Saturday, when they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention despite a 2-1 win over the Phillies in 12 innings on Bryce Harper’s RBI double.

Papelbon then reached for Harper’s throat with his left hand and shoved the outfielder back toward the bench with both arms. Papelbon was leaning over the railing and appeared to say something to Harper about not running out the fly ball. Papelbon appealed, allowing him to continue playing.

The two were in a brief altercation that was broken up by teammates.

Papelbon came into the game during the eighth inning after Washington blew a 4-2 lead to the Phillies and got the final out of the inning.

Papelbon was immediately ejected by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger, as Machado glared towards the mound while barking at the Nationals closer.

Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount, Major League Baseball announced on Friday.

In Wednesday’s matchup between the Orioles and the Nationals, Machado hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning. Harper called Papelbon hitting Machado “tired” after the game, clearly displeased with the closer’s actions. He was able to pitch on Sunday because he is appealing the suspension.