The Dodgers were crushing the Phillies in Philly when things got weird. Alex Verdugo launched a two-run homer to make it 12-1. On the very next pitch, Justin Turner got hit in the leg by a breaking ball. The ump tossed the pitcher immediately, which left everyone confused. It wasn’t a fastball, and it didn’t look intentional. Turner looked stunned. Joc Pederson and others tried to explain it was just a breaking ball that got away.
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler came out to argue. He didn’t scream but made it clear the ejection didn’t make sense. He pointed out the pitch type and said there was no intent. The ump held firm, saying he had to protect the hitters. Kapler kept his cool but made his point. The dugouts were laughing, especially the Dodgers, who knew it wasn’t on purpose. Even the other umpire didn’t have much to add. Turner ended up smiling about it, but the ejection stood.
The whole episode showed how fast things can escalate in a blowout. The ump overreacted and made it worse by not reading the moment. The Dodgers weren’t throwing at anyone. They were just hitting and having fun. And a bad call turned into a joke at the ump’s expense.