Bryce Harper Sounds Off on Umpire Angel Hernandez After Controversial Call, Ejection

Harper was ejected after arguing Hernández’s call on a checked swing.

Phillies star Bryce Harper was ejected from Thursday’s game against the Pirates in the third inning after he argued against a questionable call from third base umpire Ángel Hernández. 

Harper, who threw his helmet into the crowd before exiting the field after his ejection, sounded off on Hernández after the game, holding nothing back while discussing the performance of one of MLB’s most infamous umpires.

“He just told me if I saw the replay that I would know I was wrong,” said Harper, detailing some of his animated conversation with Hernández.

“I didn’t need to see the replay,” Harper said when asked if he’d seen it.

*mic drop* pic.twitter.com/qHEwFwmba8

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 29, 2023

Harper was ejected after he appeared to check his swing on a full count in the third inning. He was preparing to walk to first base when Hernández declared him out on strikes, prompting the 30-year-old to storm down the third base line to have a heated discussion with the umpire.

The same replay of the check swing, which Hernández apparently suggested Harper take a look at, shows that the bat did not go around, and it wasn’t particularly close. 

Bryce Harper lost it on Angel Hernandez after this check swing call pic.twitter.com/JLPpoNLWJy

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 28, 2023

Philadelphia ended up losing Thursday’s game, 3–2. Harper was 0-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout.