Major League Baseball

Nationals' Harper ejected from spring training game

Published Mar. 26, 2014 2:32 p.m. ET

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Jimmy Traina

It's been a rough week for Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

First, he was voted the most overrated player in baseball by his peers.

Then, on Wednesday, he was ejected from an exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals after arguing a close play at first base.

You would think players might keep their cool during exhibition games since, you know, they don't count and aren't real, but Harper is the seventh player to get ejected from a spring training game this season.

Harper led off the fourth inning with a slow roller that St. Louis second baseman Mark Ellis barehanded and flipped to first. The throw appeared to beat Harper and umpire Jeff Gosney called him out.

The 21-year-old Harper kept his head down, screaming his displeasure as he passed Gosney on his way to the third-base dugout. Gosney threw out Harper, who didn't seem to initially realize he'd been ejected.

Harper turned in apparent disbelief to argue with Gosney, and Nationals manager Matt Williams joined in.

The game was delayed a few moments while Harper gathered his belongings and walked to the visiting clubhouse beyond the left-field wall.

Fans asked for autographs as Harper passed the corner of the left-field bleachers about 10 feet from the foul line. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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