One day after Red Sox manager John Farrell and left-hander Wade Miley had an argument in the dugout, we saw something similar with the Phillies last night. Watch below as reliever Ken Giles got into it with manager Ryne Sandberg and pitching coach Bob McClure:
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This was apparently a difference of opinion on strategy in the eighth inning after Giles committed a throwing error which allowed Josh Harrison to move to second base with two outs. He was instructed to intentionally walk Pedro Alvarez in order to pitch to Francisco Cervelli, but was visibly frustrated with the decision. After giving Alvarez the free pass, he walked Cervelli to loaded the bases and went 3-0 on Jordy Mercer before battling back to strike him out. He made a gesture toward the dugout as he was walking off the mound, which set the stage for the confrontation.
According to Nate Barnes of CSNPhilly.com, Sandberg attempted to downplay the incident after the game while also gently saying that Giles was out of line:“Everything’s taken care of in-house,” Sandberg said. “Everything’s fine.”
But in a 0-0 game, the coaching staff didn’t take too kindly to Giles’ ill-timed antics.
“I do like to have players with emotions,” Sandberg said. “There’s a time and a place and a situation to show that.”
The Phillies ended up losing 1-0 to the Pirates in 13 innings. Giles was unavailable for comment after the marathon game.
