Torey Lovullo, the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and J.T. Realmuto, the top pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, got into a heated exchange on Monday night after one of his players was struck by a pitch in back-to-back at-bats.
Outfielder Corbin Carroll was struck twice by Phillies starting pitcher Matt Strahm in the first and third innings. After the second pitch, Lovullo exited the dugout and engaged Realmuto in a heated discussion.
On June 12, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, manager Torey Lovullo of the Diamondbacks yells at J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies after being dismissed from the game. Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Tony Perezchica, the third base coach for Arizona, kept Lovullo back as the benches for both teams cleared and gathered around the home plate. During the altercation, home plate umpire Vic Carapaza ejected Lovullo.
After the incident, Lovullo told MLB.com, “I knew going out there that I had no right to go out there and the umpire said to me, “I’m going to need to expel you if you don’t get off the field right now.” And I responded, “Well, I’m not leaving,” which is why I was kicked out.
On Monday, June 12, 2023, in Phoenix, players and coaches from the Phillies and Diamondbacks square up near home plate after Arizona’s Corbin Carroll was struck by a pitch twice. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo
On June 12, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona’s Chase Field, third base coach Tony Perezchica restrains Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo during the third inning. (Norm Hall/Getty Images))
After Christian Walker left, Strahm was spotted yelling at someone in the Diamondbacks’ dugout. After the second altercation, Arizona outfielder Josh Rojas was dismissed, which led Jeff Bannister to emerge and speak with Carapazza.
Arizona would triumph 9-8 in the end. Realmuto had a cycle of hits despite the defeat.
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The catcher gave an account of events from his point of view.
“I think it looked a little worse on video than what it actually was,” he continued. “Because he didn’t provide any challenges to me. He wasn’t making any disparaging remarks. He was merely supporting his player. He once said, “I would do the same thing for you,” at one time. Pointing at my chest, I said, “If you were on my team, I’d support you too.
On June 12, 2023, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo is dismissed from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images/Norm Hall
“He didn’t mean to say anything negative to me, but it appeared like he was. He was merely supporting his player.
Having nothing but respect for Realmuto, Lovullo declared.
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