Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Bryce Harper’s Ejection Highlights Wild Night At Citi Field
By Ricky Keeler
Jul 30, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) takes the field during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Harper’s Ejection Comes At Awful Time
Bryce Harper has had an excellent season for the Nationals and there’s no denying that. However, there have been times this season where Harper has gotten himself thrown out of games when his team needs him on the field. That exact scenario happened last night.
It was already a rough night for Harper as he did not get a hit against Harvey and his 25-game on-base streak and 44-game road on-base streak came to an end. However, the night ended poorly for the 22-year-old.
In the top of the 11th inning, Harper struck out looking on a fastball by Hansel Robles that appeared to be outside. Harper got angry, got in the home plate umpire ‘s (Jerry Meals) face and got thrown out of the game for the third time this season.
Due to the Nationals having a short bench, Dan Uggla had to come in and play first base for the first time in his Major League career while Ryan Zimmermann had to play left field and he just came back from the plantar fasciitis injury.
Here is what Harper had to tell the media after the game:
Bryce Harper on Jerry Meals ejecting him: "I was sticking up for my team and myself at the same time. He was bad all night." #Nats
— Chris Johnson (@ceejjohnson18) August 1, 2015
While Meals had some questionable calls in this game, that is not an excuse for Harper to get thrown out in an important game. It is the third time that he was ejected this season and for the sixth time in his career. He has to understand that there is a way to voice your argument and not end up costing your team.
Yes, Harper is only 22 years old, but he has to start realizing that while he was trying to help his team, he risks hurting his team whenever he takes himself out of a game.