If Matt Williams' fate in Washington was in jeopardy, Nationals' closer Jonathan Papelbon may have sealed it, along with an ill-advised Williams decision.
Papelbon charged and choked Nationals star Bryce Harper after the two engaged in a heated argument stemming from Papelbon chastising Harper for not running out a pop fly, USA Today Sports' For the Win reported.
Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper? Jonathan Papelbon attacking Bryce Harper. pic.twitter.com/T2qof97Ymh— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 27, 2015
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But the part that got Williams into hot water -- or more hot water, anyway -- was the part where he allowed Papelbon to enter a tie game in the eighth inning. In his postgame comments, Williams said the altercation would be handled internally and wasn't sure whether the Nationals would take any disciplinary action against the relief pitcher.
Matt Williams clarifies: he did not see video of Papelbon-Harper incident until after fan jersey giveaway & he spoke with reporters. (1/2)— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) September 28, 2015
MW was at other end of dugout. Had he known severity of fight, he said he would "absolutely not" have used Papelbon for 9th inning. (2/3)— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) September 28, 2015
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When asked why he inserted Papelbon, Williams responded, "At the time, it was a tie game. He's our closer; he's our closer."
"It's no fun when stuff like this happens," he added later. "But it does happen and you must deal with it and that's what we'll do."
Williams admitted later that he had not seen the altercation between Papelbon and Harper until he saw video of it after he spoke to reporters, according to a pair of tweets from The Washington Post. He said he would've acted differently.
Williams already has been accused of losing the clubhouse by The Washington Post.
"Now, several Nationals players believe Williams won't be able to grow even if the club brings him back for 2016, a Post article reported. "And this isn't just one or two malcontents. These opinions span positions and experience. 'It's a terrible environment,' one player said. 'And the amazing part is everybody feels that way.'"
And so even though Williams may have made an honest mistake by letting Papelbon pitch Sunday, his situation -- an underachieving year after the team won 96 games last season and he was National League Manager of the Year -- may be the last straw in his tenure in Washington.
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