Nationals manager: Bryce Harper uses ‘herbal stuff,’ not chewing tobacco

Bryce Harper made some lighthearted news on Tuesday when he took a person’s phone and snapped a selfie of himself on the field before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park.

The entire scene was a whimsical example of a ballplayer having fun with fans, but astute observers noticed that the Washington Nationals superstar had what appeared to be a big wad of chewing tobacco stuffed into his lower lip.

Obviously, a lot of major leaguers chew, but given Harper’s rigorous dedication to health, fitness and well-being — he once declared, “My body is a temple,” when explaining why he abstains from alcohol, unhealthy food and partying — it alarmed some as it seems to run counter to the…