Bryce Harper's attempt to chop the Willians Astudillo could have gone better

A frequent but controversial criticism of Bryce Harper's play over the years is his occasional lack of effort. So, of course, when the opportunity came for the new Phillies to enthusiastically sign up for the race at the base, things went wrong.

César Hernandez of Philadelphia made a sacrifice volley in the middle of the field that Byron Buxton, the Twins striker, caught quite easily. As Harper scored for third place, Buxton launched a marble laser that seemed to narrowly beat the runner. In an attempt to impress the Philadelphia faithful, Harper tried to block the enthusiast Willians Astudillo at home. However, Harper was not up to it and Astudillo managed to catch him before he reached his goal.

It is unlikely that any of Harper's teammates in Philadelphia want to smother him at this point in the season, but if they had chosen him at that time, Harper could at least take comfort in the fact that it was not because not try hard enough.