Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo got into a shouting match with umpire Jim Joyce after Thursday’s Mets-Nets game at Citi Field, according to a report.
The New York Daily News’ Christian Red says the encounter led to the men being separated. Red believes they were arguing about a Jayson Werth slide in the top of the 9th.
Ump Jim Joyce just got into a shouting match with a Nats staffer. The two men had to be separated. Appeared to be about Werth slide.
— Christian Red (@CRedRojo) July 8, 2016
Ump Jim Joyce was in shouting match with Nats GM & Pres. Mike Rizzo.
— Christian Red (@CRedRojo) July 8, 2016
The Nats lost the game 9-7. Werth was called out at second base after Joyce said the outfielder interfered on a slide into the base to break up the double play.
The double play left the Nats with nobody on and two outs in the 9th, killing a potential rally with Bryce Harper at the plate. Harper struck out to end the game.
The call may be upsetting to the Nats, but umpires have been instructed to make those calls to protect infielders as part of the new Chase Utley rule. But Rizzo’s behavior in going after Joyce should not come as a surprise given that he can be a bit of a hot head.
