Five things we learned Wednesday: Where’s Bryce?

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Jackie Bradley Jr. extended his streak to 29 games, Xander Bogaerts continues to rake as well, the San Francisco Giants won their fifth in a row, and Dusty Baker made a curious lineup decision. Five things we learned Wednesday …

Dusty Baker didn’t start Bryce Harper as the Nationals hosted the Mets on Wednesday. Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports

1. Bryce Harper sits: Sorry, I don’t get this at all. I want to defer to Baker’s experience, and there’s no doubt Washington Nationals star Harper has been scuffling in the batting-average department, but why would you sit your best player against the New York Mets? It makes no sense. Baker said Harper needed a mental day off. “I told him to do nothing, just concentrate and watch the game,” Baker said. “You can straighten yourself out by watching others and by what they’re doing or not doing.” By, what, watching Michael Taylor? You’re sitting Bryce Harper against the Mets to play Michael Taylor? Check out Eddie Matz’s report on the benching, including Harper’s success in day games.

Oh, Steven Matz was brilliant as the Mets won 2-0, with Harper grounding out in a pinch-hit appearance. ESPN Stats & Information analyzed Matz’s eight scoreless innings.

2. The Chicago Cubs and Jake Arrieta tie a record: It wasn’t Arrieta’s best effort, but the Cubs beat the Cardinals 9-8 as Kris Bryant hit a big three-run homer off Carlos Martinez.

Cubs have now won 23 straight regular-season games started by Jake Arrieta, …

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