Jonathan Papelbon told reporters on Friday that he has apologized to the Washington Nationals for choking Bryce Harper late last season.

“I was in the wrong," Papelbon said. "It should never have gone down that way and I understand that. I had a lot of time this offseason to reflect on that. ... I have been in contract with Bryce, J-Dub (Jayson Werth) and (Max) Scherzer and all these guys. I think the main goal is to know everybody here has each other's back."

It was the first time Papelbon has talked publicity about the incident in which he grabbed Harper's throat during a game on Sept. 28.

The reliever is in the final year of his contract.