LOS ANGELES -- With one out in the top of the ninth during the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Padres on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, second-base umpire Ramon De Jesus ejected Chase Utley after the veteran second baseman and De Jesus had a disagreement about the ump's positioning.
Utley said over his 15-year career, he's asked umpires to change positioning so he won't get blocked out a play. The 38-year-old said he thought it was fair to ask De Jesus to fix his positioning.
"You live and you learn," Utley said. "I'll learn from it, I hope Ramon learns from it, too."
Utley said he didn't see "eye to eye" with De Jesus. John Forsythe would come into the game to replace Utley, who said he was surprised to be thrown out.
Manager Dave Roberts was also "shocked" by the ump's decision, because of the situation and the importance of Utley position.
"In my opinion, it was a big toss," Roberts said. "A guy like Chase, who is respected around the game, I was shocked."
Other than a brief delay and some confusion, the ejection had no impact, as Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the next two batters to end the game.