Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto received one of the most bizarre ejections in MLB history during the team's spring training game against the Blue Jays on Monday.
J.T. Realmuto got ejected... in a spring training game? For this? pic.twitter.com/guH1S9rjmG
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 27, 2023
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the ejection was the result of a very big, weird misunderstanding between the three-time All-Star and home plate umpire Randy Rosenberg. The early sendoff led to a fake celebratory reaction from Realmuto as he exited the field.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 27, 2023
The contest, which the reigning NL champions led 4-2 as of the top of the eighth inning, is the penultimate spring training game for both clubs.
With slugging first baseman Rhys Hoskins out for the season with a torn ACL and former MVP Bryce Harper still recovering from offseason elbow surgery, Realmuto's potent bat will take on extra importance this year. The 32-year-old two-time Gold Glove Award winner had a huge 2022 campaign, leading the team in stolen bases (career-high 21) and triples (five) -- an extreme rarity for a backstop -- while also hitting 22 home runs and posting a career-high 84 RBI.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!