Pirates Manager Don Kelly Ejected Again: “I Have Our Guys’ Back”
Third base umpire John Libka ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly during the seventh inning of Pittsburgh’s 8-4 loss to the Phillies on Friday, May 16 after a checked swing call that went in favor of Philadelphia.
With the count full against Phillies’ superstar and two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper, Pirates’ reliever Ryan Borucki turned to his slider. While the pitch landed off the plate, Borucki succeeded in making Harper offer a swing, the veteran first baseman held up… or at least Libka thought he did. Instead, Harper walked, loading the bases with one out and the Pirates clinging to a 3-1 lead.
The call incensed Kelly, who left the dugout to argue his case with Libka. Whatever he said, it was enough for Libka to toss him.
Understanding What’s at Stake
Kelly said after the loss — his second ejection in seven games as the Pirates manager — that his own playing career gives him an added motivation to stand up for his players.
“For me, being fortunate to play in the league and understand what’s at stake for these guys, and what they’re going out every single day, that call, I felt was a huge point in that game, and I have their back,” Kelly said. “I have our guys’ back, and to go out there: these guys are going out there and competing, battling… that call was a big point that changed the game. I’m going to have our guys’ back, and the way they’re going about it and competing, that was a huge point in the game there…that inning could’ve went a lot of different ways. I think it’s just a challenge for us to continue to get better.”
Philadelphia went on to score five runs in the inning, taking the lead for good in their come-from behind win.
Kelly putting up a fight for his players aside, Pirates starter Andrew Heaney perhaps summed up his manager’s ejection best.
“Just means another call went against us,” Heaney said. “So I’d rather them go the other way and have him not getting thrown out.”
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