Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was not a huge fan of home plate umpire Mike Estabrook’s strike zone for much of Friday’s game against the New York Mets. Things finally boiled over in Harper’s fourth at-bat of the game, and a gesture from Harper led to his ejection.
Harper swung at a pitch from Mets reliever Brooks Raley that was way outside to end the seventh inning.
He then proceeded to look back and say something to Estabrook, which led to him quickly getting thrown out of the game.
Bryce Harper has been ejected from the Phillies' game against the Mets. ⚾️👮♂️pic.twitter.com/loeWml14sd
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 24, 2023
He clearly wasn’t arguing the final pitch considering he swung at it. It must have been another pitch in the at-bat that prompted the argument. Surprisingly, he didn’t even react to the ejection, instead just walking into the dugout in frustration.
Regardless, fans clearly took notice of the ejection and speculated on social media about what Harper may have said to Estabrook.
Bryce Harper got ejected and didn’t even get his money’s worth he just got outta there
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 24, 2023
Bryce Harper is definitely not 100% at the plate. I’d say he is 60% right now.
Resting him for a few games is probably a good idea. Timing is off, power is off, technique getting worse, swinging at everything. Frustration.
— Dave Robicheaux 🛜 (@DaveyRobicheaux) June 24, 2023
Bryce Harper is ejected from the game after being very professional. pic.twitter.com/8lwaa5uA3C
— Baseball GIFs (@gifs_baseball) June 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/ThirtyOneHunn/status/1672416525905543168
Bryce Harper has been ejected for arguing a strike call
Strike zone has been abysmal all night
— 🌷 (@nickyrebornnnnn) June 24, 2023
Bryce Harper just got ejected by Mike Estabrook.. Harper had a problem with his strike zone all night.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) June 24, 2023
It also seems possible that Harper could be frustrated about how his season has gone so far. He hasn’t been bad, hitting .296 with a .390 on-base percentage. That being said, he clearly hasn’t been himself, only hitting three home runs in 159 at-bats on the year.
He also hasn’t been used in his typical role with the team, primarily being utilized as a designated hitter this year while he still tries to return to 100% from Tommy John surgery.
Whatever the reason for his frustration, Mike Estabrook was clearly not in the mood to argue with him, making at an early night for the two-time MVP.
