Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was ejected Friday after just one at-bat against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo.
Harper was the third batter of the night to face Rockies starting pitcher Ty Blach. Harper struck out swinging on three pitches. He also got fined for throwing his helmet into the dirt in frustration.
Harper then had a lengthy conversation with home plate umpire Brian Walsh about the called strike two. Harper was ejected not long after.
Bryce Harper was tossed in the first inning. What an absolute joke. pic.twitter.com/ARIr6a793m
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 25, 2024
Harper and Phillies manager Rob Thomson both protested the ejection but to no avail. Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas came off the bench to replace Harper.
It’s unclear what Harper said to Walsh to warrant an ejection. But Harper’s body language didn’t seem too demonstrative to be construed as disrespectful to the veteran umpire.
The contingent of Phillies fans in attendance at Coors Field were clearly not happy with the decision. They showered the umpires with boos for ejecting Harper.
Boos rain down at Coors field as Bryce Harper gets ejected in the 1st pic.twitter.com/jtJpNelc6q
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) May 25, 2024
The Phillies entered Friday’s contest with a 37-14 record — the best in the majors. Harper’s stellar season at the plate is a big reason behind the Phillies’ success. Harper has hit .281 with 37 RBIs and 12 home runs across 46 games played.
