Bryce Harper ruffled some more feathers.
Cincinnati Reds reliever Tony Cingrani drilled Harper in the back with a pitch during the seventh inning of Friday’s game against the Washington Nationals. Harper, likely in some pain, took his time walking down to first base, which didn’t set well with the opposition.
Reds first baseman Joey Votto took exception to Harper’s stroll and the two exchanged words before an umpire intervened. Cingrani, meanwhile, looked ticked off, which the lefty confirmed after the game.
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Harper not only is a tremendous player. He also has a knack for getting under his opponents’ skin. It’s safe to say the Reds overreacted in this instance, however, as Harper seemed to grimace in pain following Cingrani’s horrible offering, hence his slower-than-normal jaunt.
Sure enough, Harper was scratched from Saturday’s lineup with a sore back. There’s no word yet on whether the Reds approve.
