LEADING OFF: Harper slumping, Fernandez rolling in NL East

A look at what’s happening all around the majors Thursday:
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PITCHED AROUND
Struggling Bryce Harper hopes to get some pitches to hit when the Nationals host the Cardinals for a four-game set. Harper sat Wednesday before grounding out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning in a 2-0 loss to the Mets. The NL MVP has had a tough month, with opponents consistently pitching around him. He’s hitting .197 with two homers in May but also has a .458 on-base percentage thanks to 31 walks.
FER