Tommy Pham, Dane Myers Trade Jabs After Reds Outfielder Dropped Fly Ball in Loss to Cardinals

Cincinnati Reds centerfielder Dane Myers pushed back against criticism from Philadelphia Phillies minor league outfielder Tommy Pham regarding Myers' game-deciding missed catch in a Thursday loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The social media interaction started when Pham responded to a screenshot of Myers calling off left fielder TJ Friedl in the ninth inning while attempting to catch what would have been the game's final out.

Myers ultimately missed the catch and allowed the Cardinals to plate a go-ahead run and claim a comeback ninth-inning win.

Pham wrote in a response on social media that Myers made the gaffe because he was "stealing catches" in order to improve his WAR.

Myers responded: "A ten year vet, a decent one at that, a 'brother' calling me selfish... you are talking like an average fan man, you spent all that time in big leagues you should know/remember there's more to a play than what just appears on the screen."

The Reds outfielder, who said after the loss he'd called off Friedl because the two had mapped out their catches based on how the field was shaded, concluded the play "still has to be made."

Myers and Pham went on to trade barbs back and forth in the social media thread.

Myers is in his fourth MLB season and first with the Reds, for which he's made 93 appearances so far this season. Pham, who has played in 13 MLB seasons, is currently competing for Triple-A Lehigh Valley after stints in the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles organizations earlier this season.