“Umpires looking to be the hero,” Miguel Rojas DISAPPOINTED over umpire’s controversial ruling and Dave Roberts ejection 

Dave Roberts and Miguel Rojas blast umpire Hunter Wendelstedt’s controversial ruling against the game with the Phillies.

“Umpires looking to be the hero,” Miguel Rojas DISAPPOINTED over umpire’s controversial ruling and Dave Roberts ejection 

Miguel Rojas and Dave Roberts [Image Credit: LA Times/X/NBC Los Angeles]

Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies ended on a spicy note over a controversial call by umpire Hunter Wendelstedt that changed the fate of the game. In the process, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts got ejected from the game, for the first time in the 2024 season.

Fans and pundits have questioned the game, including shortstop Miguel Rojas who has been in the center of the storm. The incident took place during the 6th inning when Rojas attempted to cover third base from shortstop to get the lead runner.

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Rojas immediately tagged Alec Bohm who was running from second to third base. Unfortunately, Wendelstedt ruled out Rojas calling his move an obstruction in the play and ruling Bohm safe. His call ultimately stamped the fate of the team as they lost 9-4 against the Phillies.

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Rojas clearly stated that he was upset as he “didn’t do anything wrong” while trying to make the play. He called out the umpire saying, 

...you never expect umpires looking to be the hero, and make a call just because we have a rule in place…I think he predetermined the call and he’s looking for it so he can get some attention.
Miguel Rojas during post-game interview.

He said the call was very “disappointing” even more so as the umpire started “screaming at me” without giving a proper explanation. “It wasn’t the right call, especially coming from a guy like him,” Rojas added.

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Dave Roberts on ejection and Hunter Wendelstedt’s controversial call

Immediately after umpire Hunter Wendelstedt called Alec Bohm’s play safe, LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went out on the field arguing and asking for an explanation for his ruling. Despite his tries, he was ejected from the game for pursuing the matter further.

Dave Roberts [Image Credit: Sports Illustrated]
Dave Roberts [Image Credit: Sports Illustrated]

Roberts boldly claimed that the umpire’s call was “an egregious missed call”, and his bad call ended in the team losing the momentum of the game. During the post-game conference, he further talked about the matter,

He got it wrong. That’s just a fact. Umpiring is hard. They do a great job. Tonight, that play affected the game.
Dave Roberts on X.

However, crew chief Marvin Hudson defended Wendelstedt’s decision saying “that’s the new rule this year.” Despite Roberts being furious over the call, the Dodgers ended up losing the series. Although they are currently in the top spot of the NL West, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks are their nearest rivals.

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