JUST Now:Phillies manager Rob Thomson’s screaming match with umpire leads to ejection in bizarre scene.see More..
Rob Thomson was ejected in the top of the sixth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 16, 2024, following a heated confrontation with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. The incident occurred after a controversial reversal of a hit-by-pitch call involving Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs.
With the Phillies trailing 8–2, Stubbs appeared to be hit on the foot by a pitch from Orioles starter Corbin Burnes. Initially, Estabrook awarded Stubbs first base. However, after Orioles manager Brandon Hyde protested, the umpiring crew convened and reversed the call, determining that the ball had not made contact with Stubbs. This decision prompted Thomson to exit the dugout and engage in a heated exchange with Estabrook. The argument escalated quickly, with both men shouting at each other until Laz Diaz intervened and escorted Thomson back to the dugout. The decision went to a replay review, confirming Stubbs should remain at the plate, but he subsequently flew out to center field. The Orioles eventually won the game 8–3.
Thomson expressed frustration over the reversal, questioning why the Orioles were not required to use a challenge to contest the initial call. He argued that since Estabrook had awarded Stubbs first base, the burden of challenging the call should have fallen on the Orioles. Instead, the Phillies were forced to use their challenge, which they ultimately lost.
This ejection marked another chapter in Thomson’s history of confrontations with umpires. In June 2023, he was ejected during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after disputing a pitch clock violation involving pitcher Aaron Nola. Thomson argued that Nola should have been granted a reset of the pitch clock after requesting a new baseball, but the umpires deemed that Nola was attempting to circumvent the pitch clock rules.
Despite the loss to the Orioles, the Phillies maintained the best record in the National League at 47–24. However, the defeat highlighted ongoing frustrations with umpiring decisions and the implementation of new rules, such as the pitch clock, which have been sources of contention throughout the season.