DENVER — Coors Field was packed with Phillies fans for Friday night’s series opener, but those who attended only saw half an inning of Bryce Harper.
Harper was ejected by home plate umpire Brian Walsh after the top of the first. He beat in three steps. The second pitch was a low-and-in sink that wasn’t a strike but called one.
Harper is supposed to be on strike and has a few words with Walsh. On the next pitch, a swing came out, and after the intro was over, the conversation continued. Harper threw his helmet at him in frustration but it wasn’t a heated exchange. The field seems to be waiting for it not to be a strike – it’s true.
Murphy must hear the magic words and get Harper out quickly. Harper has been sacked 24 times in his career, but this one was clearly surprised, throwing his hands up.” Come on man, I’m trying to talk to you..
Manager Rob Thomson rushed to the player’s defence, saying: “You can’t do that.”
With Harper out, the Phillies moved Alec Boehm from third base to first base, moved Whit Merrifield to third base from left field, Christian Patch to right field and Johan Rojas to center.