Harper getting a mental break (with lineups)

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

August 09, 2012, 12:49pm

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Davey Johnson suggested last night that he would probably give Bryce Harper a day off today, and that's what he's done. Mired in a slump, which has seen him hit just .176 since the All-Star break, Harper is not in the Nationals lineup today. The rookie outfielder also made an ill-advised throw in the ninth inning last night, allowing the Astros to put the potential game-winning run in scoring position. It was after that play that Johnson said he decided Harper could use a breather, or a mental break of sorts. He'll get that tonight, with Roger Bernadina getting the start in center field. The Nats will take on Astros starter Lucas Harrell (9-7, 3.98 ERA) tonight. Harrell allowed just one run over 6 2/3 innings in a start against the Nationals back on April 18. For the Nats: 2B Steve Lombardozzi CF Roger Bernadina 3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Adam LaRoche LF Michael Morse RF Jayson Werth SS Danny Espinosa C Kurt Suzuki P Jordan Zimmermann For the Astros: 2B Jose Altuve SS Marwin Gonzalez RF Steve Pearce CF Justin Maxwell 3B Brett Wallace LF J.D. Martinez 1B Scott Moore C Chris Snyder P Lucas Harrell