Harper Ejected, Arrieta Displeased with Teammates in Phillies’ Loss

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies' fourth loss over their last five games Monday evening sure was different than their 10 losses overall this season.

Down 2-0 in the top of the fourth, Bryce Harper was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Mark Carlson, his second punchout already in the game after striking out swinging his first time up. He clearly was not happy with the strike zone.

A game that was delayed nearly 1 hours and 45 minutes, and receiving multiple hecklings from the New York crowd, emotions got the best of the Phillies perennial All-Star.

Four batters later, including after the Phillies' only run of the game — a Rhys Hoskins solo home run — Carlson ejected Harper, who was standing in the Phillies dugout. Without hesitation, manager Gabe Kapler came out to argue, and Harper followed.

The reason for Harper's ejection, per Carlson, was that he made "inappropriate" comments that "warranted an automatic ejection." Also, Carlson said he will include in his report that "physical contact" was made when approached by the Phillies, claiming that Harper bumped Kapler into him. Carlson said, intentional or not, "that decision will be made by (MLB) after watching the video." A possible suspension could occur if MLB deems the contact as intentional.

After the game, Phillies starting pitcher Jake Arrieta voiced his displeasure not toward Carlson, but rather toward his teammates, Harper in particular.

“We were flat from start to finish. Two-hour delay. It doesn’t matter. We need to be ready to play. We weren’t and it showed," Arrieta said. "I don't care how bad the umpire is. He misses some calls, so what?"

"We need (Harper) out there. … I'm out there doing everything I can to win a game. I need my guys behind me and they weren't."

Arrieta suffered the loss as the Phillies fell 5-1. He allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits, one walk and seven strikeouts spanning six innings and 99 pitches.

Harper apologized after the game, calling his emotions whenever ejected "usually zero to a 100 anyway."

"If you look at all of my ejections, it's usually pretty calm and then 'bam.' Once it happens, I try to let it out I guess. It can't happen," Harper said. "I have to stay in that game and be there for my team, for this organization and for the fans as well. I got to be better."

Harper's ejection was the 12th of his career and his first in a Phillies uniform. It was the club's first ejection since RHP Justin DeFratus' in nearly four seasons, June 16, 2015.