Jake Arrieta Rips Bryce Harper for Ejection, Says Phillies' Dugout Was 'Flat'

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta had some strong words for his teammates—especially Bryce Harper—on Monday night.

Arrieta not only called out his team's lack of energy following a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets in a game that featured a 95-minute rain delay, but he also criticized Harper for putting himself in a position to be ejected:

"Look, I mean, he's got to understand we need him in right field. I don't care how bad the umpire is. He wasn't great for either side. I'm out there trying to make pitches, and he misses some calls. So What? We need him out there. We were flat from start to finish. Two-hour delay, it doesn't matter. We have to be ready to play. We weren't and it showed.

"The dugout was flat. The defense wasn't good. Didn't throw the ball well as a staff overall. We got beat. We started at 8:45. I don't think our guys were ready to play. We've got to come out tomorrow ready to play. It's troubling, yeah. I'm out there doing everything I can to win a game. I need my guys behind me, and they weren't."

Arrieta was charged with four runs (three earned) on seven hits in six innings of work, striking out seven while walking just one. Meanwhile, the Phillies managed to commit as many errors (three) as hits recorded.

Steven Matz and the New York bullpen retired 16 consecutive Philadelphia batters to close out the victory.

The Phillies offense was dealt a blow when Harper got himself thrown out of the game in the top of the fourth inning after being rung up on strikes earlier in the frame (1:58 mark):

Harper exited having gone 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

With high expectations in the City of Brotherly Love this season, the Phillies ace had no problem calling out the $330 million man.

Arrieta's resume includes a 2015 National League Cy Young award, three top-10 Cy Young finishes, a 2016 All-Star selection, a 2016 Silver Slugger, a 2016 World Series title and two no-hitters. He is in the second and final guaranteed season of a deal that could reach five years and $135 million.