Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper uses Yasiel Puig’s bat (GIF)

We have a mystery on our hands this fine morning. What is Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper doing using Yasiel Puig’s bat?

More from Los Angeles Dodgers

• Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
• After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
• This White Sox-Dodgers trade for bullpen help could lead to LA reunion
• MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
• MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan

Harper was caught Thursday night swinging a piece of lumber emblazoned with Puig’s name. In this GIF, he uses Puig’s bat to hit a meek dribbler back to the pitcher, resulting in an out.

Clearly, using Puig’s bat does not give you Puig-like powers.

The question is, what is Harper doing with Puig’s bat in the first place? Did Puig give him the bat? Did he steal it? Is he ordering bats with Puig’s name on them as a joke?

What is the unwritten rule on dudes using other dudes’ bats? It’s baseball so the situation must be covered by some unwritten rule.

Is Harper potentially putting himself in danger of reprisal for using an opposing player’s bat? Can I get a ruling Kirk Gibson?

I’m not saying Harper will/should be earholed for using another man’s bat, but you’d think a prank would be forthcoming at the very least. A hot foot or bubble gum on the hat. A kick me sign, perhaps.

All very strange.

Like FanSided on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter
Subscribe to the Fansided Daily Newsletter. Sports news all up in your inbox.