Phillies’ Bryce Harper, manager Rob Thomson ousted after banks punt against Rockies

Phillies’ Bryce Harper, manager Rob Thomson ousted after banks punt against Rockies

The frustrations are pouring out for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The defending National League champions are off to an unexpectedly slow start, and though they were in danger of falling to .500 on Sunday, two-time MVP Bryce Harper and manager Rob Thomson were ousted.

After Bryson Stott made the final out in the top of the seventh inning, Harper and Colorado Rockies reliever Jake Bird exchanged words from across the diamond, and the outfielder stormed out of the dugout.

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Bryce Harper, center, of the Philadelphia Phillies runs down the field as the benches clear in the seventh inning of a game at Coors Field on May 14, 2023 in Denver. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Harper was initially held by Rockies catcher Elias Diaz before both benches emptied and third base coach Danny Wathan pulled Harper out of the scrum.

No punches were thrown, but the ruckus was enough to put Harper and the manager out of the game.

Replay showed Bird celebrating after the final out, apparently yelling in Harper’s direction, to which he took offense. Bird then taunted Harper by clapping with her glove.

Bryce Harper in fight

Philadelphia Phillies coaches stop designated hitter Bryce Harper, center, during a scrum with the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning at Coors Field in Denver on May 14, 2023. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

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Perhaps Harper was trying to start a fire under his struggling Phillies, but it didn’t work as the Phillies lost, 4-0, and fell to 20-20 on the season.

Referee sending off Rob Thomson

Referee Ryan Willis ejects manager Rob Thomson of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 14, 2023 in Denver. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

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Harper missed the start of the season while returning from Tommy John surgery. Entering Sunday, he was hitting .361 with a 1.050 OPS in nine games.

By Loris Jones

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