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Bryce Harper got away with disrespectful move toward umpire

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 8:19 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper somehow did not get ejected despite some pretty clear disrespect he directed toward home plate umpire Steven Jaschinski on Sunday.

Harper went down on a called third strike in the eighth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. Harper had also taken a borderline strike on a 3-0 pitch before getting called out on a 3-2 pitch that was clearly above the zone.

Harper openly argued with Jaschinski over the call and even waved his hand dismissively toward the umpire. Somehow, Jaschinski allowed him to stay in the game anyway.

Bryce Harper couldn't believe that neither of these pitches were called ball four. Instead he struck out after being up 3-0 pic.twitter.com/AV991j9ja5
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 20, 2025

Plenty of players have been tossed for a lot less than that. Harper himself has even been ejected for much less than that. Perhaps Jaschinski knew he blew the call and gave Harper some extra leeway as a result.

Harper went 0-for-4 in Sunday’s game with a pair of strikeouts. The Phillies lost to the Angels, 8-2.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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