Major League Baseball suspended Bryce Harper and fined him an undisclosed amount for his actions following his ejection Monday, “which included returning to the field,” according to the league’s announcement. Harper is appealing the suspension, so he is eligible to play in Wednesday’s game against the Tigers.
Harper was tossed from the dugout in the ninth inning by home-plate umpire Brian Knight for arguing a called third strike on Danny Espinosa at the plate. After he was tossed, the star right fielder shouted at Knight from the dugout and had to be held back by coaches.
“Everybody was up on the steps preaching about what they thought was going on,” Harper said after the game. “[Knight] picked me and said, ‘See you later.’”
Later in the inning, after Clint Robinson hit a walk-off home run, Harper ran out of the clubhouse and back onto the field, which isn’t allowed following an ejection. While in the dogpile with teammates around Robinson, Harper turned and pointed at Knight as cameras caught him yelling, “[Expletive] you!”
After the game, Harper admitted he had some choice words for Knight but didn’t back down, still believing Knight had erred. Asked whether he might be fined, Harper said he would pay it. “Maybe he’ll get fined, too,” Harper said of Knight.
The next day, Nationals Manager Dusty Baker agreed that Harper should at least be fined for his actions and words but had not problem with the outfielder celebrating Robinson’s walkoff shot with the team.
Harper’s suspension was scheduled to be served Wednesday night, but because he is appealing the decision, he is allowed to play until the appeal process is complete. Wednesday is, after all, Harper’s MVP bobblehead day at Nationals Park.
Last week, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was ejected after slamming his equipment into the dugout, still fuming about a called third strike, but ran back to umpire Ron Kulpa to yell. Ortiz was not suspended.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
