Bryce Harper becomes first Phillies player to be ejected from game since 2015

NEW YORK -- Bryce Harper got ejected from Monday night’s game, prompting the Phillies star to charge out of the dugout and rage against home-plate umpire Mark Carlson.

Harper objected to Carlson’s strike zone in the fourth inning of a rain-delayed game against the Mets at Citi Field. After getting called out on strikes, he turned and had words for Carlson as he walked back to the dugout.

But it wasn’t until four batters later, during Cesar Hernandez’s at-bat and with the Phillies trailing by a 2-1 score, that Carlson booted Harper from the game. It’s possible that Harper took issue with a strike call on a 1-1 pitch to Hernandez that appeared to be above the zone. Carlson ejected Harper after that pitch.

Once Carlson tossed Harper, Phillies manager Gabe Kapler bolted from the dugout to protest. Harper followed Kapler, racing towards Carlson. Kapler twice shoved Harper to keep him away from the umpire.

It marked Harper’s 12th career ejection. It was also the first time a Phillies player was thrown out of a game since pitcher Justin De Fratus on June 16, 2015.

The ejection also brought an end to Harper’s on-base streak. He had reached base in all 21 games this season but struck out in both of his plate appearances against Mets left-hander Steven Matz.

Aaron Altherr shifted from center field to right field to replace Harper. Roman Quinn entered the game in center field.