Bryce Harper managed to avoid getting ejected Sunday despite so openly shading home plate umpire Steven Jaschinski over a strike three call.
Perhaps even Jaschinski knew he had messed up.
Harper dramatically waved off Jaschinski after he was rung up in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Phillies’ 8-2 home loss to the Angels after a called strike three that was very clearly high above the strike zone.
The first baseman began putting his bat down, expecting to be awarded a walk, when Jaschinski called strike three.
Harper incredulously threw both his arms up and then waved Jaschinski off with his right hand. He then waved him off a second time as he began to walk back toward the Phillies’ dugout.
It was the second badly missed call of the at-bat, as Jaschinski called strike one on a fastball that was also high out of the zone when Harper was up 3-0.
Harper then fouled off the next two pitches before striking out on a changeup.
Jaschinski reportedly made his MLB umpiring debut in May.
It was a rough day at the office for Harper, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as Philly dropped two of three at home to the Angels.
The Phillies remain half a game ahead of the Mets atop the NL East after the Amazin’s dropped two of three to the Reds at home over the weekend.
The Red Sox visit the Phillies for three games starting Monday night, while the Mets welcome the Angels to Citi Field.
Philly will visit the Mets Aug. 25-27.
