A national anthem matchup between Boston Red Sox reliever Kutter Crawford and Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Matt Strahm not only resulted in an ejection, but they were also fined by MLB.
There have been clashes in the past across multiple sports, with players wanting to be the last off the field, court, or ice following the anthem.
But with MLB’s new shot clock requirements, umpires had to eject both players after receiving a warning that they would be ejected if they did not return to their respective dugouts.
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Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford during the second inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 9, 2023 in Detroit. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Since Crawford is on the 15-day disabled list right now, his penalty for being ejected is much higher than Strahm’s, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he’ll get some help from a certain teammate. .
«I know there’s a guy who went to the same school as him who’s probably going to take care of that,» he said.
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Chris Sale and Crawford both attended Florida Gulf Coast University, so that’s where help could come.
Strahm, who used to be teammates with Crawford and the rest of the Red Sox, explained the situation to WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Matt Strahm of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 2, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
«Zero of that was planned,» he said. «I just, the anthem was over, and I looked across, and Kutter smiled at me, and I knew exactly what that smile meant, so I [I] it just stayed there.
«If you know me, you know competition means everything to me, so I felt like I was being called out right there. Looking back, it’s probably not the wisest decision I’ve made in my big league career.»
Matt Strahm of the Philadelphia Phillies returns to the dugout during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 2, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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It is unknown how much Crawford and Strahm were fined.