Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was benched for lack of effort in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals, according to an ESPN.com report.

Manager Matt Williams apparently was not happy with Harper's effort running to first base during a groundout in the sixth inning. 

When asked about the incident after the game, Williams attributed Harper's "inability to run 90 feet" as the reason for the benching. 

"Lack of hustle. That's why he came out of the game,'' Williams said. "He and I made an agreement, this team made an agreement, that when we play the game, that we hustle at all times.''