MLB umpires have a lot of new responsibilities this year, amid the institution of new rules. So far in spring training, they’ve had to adjust to the new realities, just like everyone else.
However, with more responsibility comes more power, as was on display in the Phillies’ final game of the exhibition season against the Blue Jays at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fla. Umpire Randy Rosenberg called Craig Kimbrel for a pitch clock violation, and immediately afterward, catcher J.T. Realmuto dropped the new ball that Rosenberg tried to hand to him.
Rosenberg, though, apparently thought Realmuto was showing him up after the call, so Rosenberg exercised his power and ejected Realmuto.
