Fernando Rodney Gets Tossed From Spring Game

Mar 12, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

You don’t see this too often.

New Seattle Mariners closer Fernando Rodney was tossed in the 5th inning of Seattle’s game against the San Fransisco Giants on Saturday after arguing a call on a pitch that Rodney felt should have been a strike.

Rodney, possibly frustrated after having already given up two runs and only recording one out in his appearance in the 13-6 loss to the Giants, argued with home plate umpire Adam Hamari.

"“I said that was a strike,” Rodney said. “He said that’s enough and I said, ‘That’s a strike. What’s wrong?’ And he threw me out.”"

It went on a little longer than that. See the pitch, and the ensuing spat in the video below courtesy of MLB.com:

Personally, I think the pitch was low. It came in just under the knees and Mike Zunino did a good job of framing the pitch as it came in, but Hamari wasn’t fooled.

It’s one that could go either way and neither the batter nor the pitcher should get that upset about it going one way or the other. A ball that close, you have to expect it could swing either way depending on the umpire.

So I think Rodney’s reaction was a little over the top. I think Hamari, throwing him out went a little far, but I can kind of see why he did it. I’m pretty sure Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon understood as well. Did you see how slow he walked out to the umpire?

“I’m still not sure,” McClendon said. “He said it was a strike. The umpire said it wasn’t. He said, ‘Yeah it was down the middle.’ And he threw him out.”

"“I thought it was for a Spring Training game,” McClendon said. “I didn’t think it was necessary and I told him that.”"

Rodney has not quite looked like the dominant closer we’d thought he’d be. After Saturday’s outing – including a hit batter – his spring line now stands at: 0-1, 18.00 ERA (highest on the team), 3 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, BB, 2 K, 2 HB, 2 BS, .438 BAA.