Phillies’ Kapler tries to explain ‘miscommunication’ on reliever

Rookie Phillies manager Gabe Kapler called for a reliever who hadn’t warmed up during Saturday’s 15-2 loss to the Braves in Atlanta.

The Braves scored four runs in the third to open a 7-2 lead. One out after Nick Markakis’ bloop single plated two runs, Kapler came to the mound to replace Vince Velasquez. Lefthander Hoby Milner, the only reliever up in the bullpen, apparently wasn’t ready to enter the game.

Kapler said Milner warmed up earlier in the game.

“Anytime we have a miscommunication, that miscommunication is my responsibility, so I take full responsibility for it,” Kapler said.

Kapler remained on the mound as Milner took extra throws before leaving the bullpen. Braves manager Brian Snitker came out of the dugout to argue about the delay, and was ejected by umpire Jerry Layne, the crew chief.

Layne said he was trying to protect Milner’s health.

“For whatever reason the pitcher wasn’t even getting ready,” Layne told a pool reporter. “Who got crossed up, I’m not placing blame on anybody because I don’t know. He just wasn’t ready. Hadn’t thrown a pitch. … The last thing I want to do is get somebody hurt. It’s already a messed-up situation.”

Layne said a report would be sent to Major League Baseball.

“Whoever’s at fault on the Phillies’ side should have to answer to Major League Baseball,” Layne said.

It was Snitker’s second ejection of the series. “It was the first time I’ve ever been part of anything like that,” Snitker said. “I think the time had expired and just felt like we should have been playing ball.”

Milner, pitching for the third straight game, recorded only one out.