More umpiring hijinks in the MLB.
Coors Field was packed with Philadelphia Phillies fans for Friday night’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies, but those in attendance only saw Bryce Harper for a half-inning.
Harper was ejected after the top of the first inning by home plate umpire Brian Walsh.
Harper struck out on three pitches, the second of which was a low-and-in sinker that was called a strike despite being off the plate.
Visibly frustrated by the call, Harper called time and exchanged words with Walsh.
After striking out swinging on the next pitch, Harper continued the conversation as the inning ended, throwing his helmet in frustration.
Though not heated, Harper appeared to be asserting that the pitch was not a strike, which replays confirmed.
Walsh must have heard something that triggered an ejection, as Harper was thrown out quickly.
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This marked the 24th ejection of Harper’s career, but he seemed genuinely surprised by this one, raising his hands as if to say, “Come on man, I’m just trying to have a conversation with you.”
Manager Rob Thomson hurried out to defend Harper, telling Walsh, “You can’t do that.”
With Harper ejected, the Phillies made several defensive adjustments: Alec Bohm shifted from third base to first base, Whit Merrifield moved from left field to third base, Cristian Pache shifted from center field to right field, and Johan Rojas was inserted into center field.
The ejection did hurt the Phillies in this one as they fell to the Rockies 3-2 in 11 innings.
Fans weren’t thrilled with the quick hook of Harper and took aim at Walsh on social media.
