Harper to Johnson: 'Play me or trade me'

Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson was planning to bench outfielder Bryce Harper this weekend but changed his mind after receiving a demanding text message from Harper.

Johnson told reporters Saturday that Harper sent him a text after Friday night's game that read: "Play me or trade me."

So Johnson nixed his plans to rest Harper, who is in an 0-for-18 slump.

"Since trading him is out of the question, I guess he's playing," Johnson said.

Johnson said he brought Harper into his office and they talked it out.

Harper homered in his first at-bat after coming off the disabled list with knee bursitis. However, he has struggled since then.

Last year's National League Rookie of the Year is batting .260 with 13 home runs and 25 RBI through 49 games.