Umpire missed a strike call then confronted Walker Buehler for complaining about it, a breakdown
What Happened
In the top of the third inning of a tight game, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler takes the mound against the Boston Red Sox. Buehler is visibly frustrated after home plate umpire Adam Eaton fails to call a borderline pitch a strike. Buehler voices his displeasure, leading to a heated exchange between the two. The tension escalates further when Buehler's next pitch hits Red Sox shortstop Francisco Lindor in the foot, awarding him first base. Buehler again argues the call and the umpire, sensing the growing conflict, issues Buehler his first warning. In the next at-bat, Lindor takes off for second base on a Buehler curveball that bounces in the dirt. Eaton correctly calls the pitch a ball, but Buehler again vehemently disagrees, believing it was a strike. The umpire approaches the mound and the two engage in a furious argument. Eaton ultimately ejects Buehler from the game, deeming that the pitcher has left his position on the mound to argue balls and strikes. Red Sox manager Alex Cora rushes out to defend his pitcher, exchanging heated words with Eaton. Cora expresses his belief that Eaton should have given him more time to intervene and prevent Buehler's ejection. The disagreement continues, with Cora accusing Eaton of making poor calls throughout the game. As Buehler departs the field, Lindor can be seen taunting the umpire, yelling "Throw him out! Throw him out!" Despite the theatrics, replays clearly show Eaton's strike zone call was accurate, though the umpire's decision to eject Buehler remains controversial. In the aftermath, crew chief Laz Díaz explains the reasoning behind the ejection, stating that once a pitcher leaves the mound to argue balls and strikes, it warrants an immediate ejection per the rules. Buehler, for his part, questions who was the first to leave their position and initiate the confrontation. The early exit of their starting pitcher is a significant blow for the Dodgers, as it forces them to turn to their bullpen much earlier than planned, potentially impacting their pitching plans for the rest of the series. Despite the heated exchange, the game continues, with the Red Sox looking to capitalize on Buehler's premature departure.
Full Transcript
Top of the third inning, Walker Beller on the bump for the Red Sox. This breakdown is brought to you by DraftKings. And he wants that to be a strike. It's not a strike. Not called a strike. He says, "Here, here's I don't know." Cory's like, "Okay." He's getting upset. Next at bat, 02 pitch to Lindor. Curveball hits him in the foot. Hit by pitch. He gets first base. Buer doesn't like it. He went like that. Come on. H just a little frustrated. So, he's just getting a little frustrated. You know, it's been frustrating. Here's the curve and Lindor sees it, stands his ground, tucks the knee. I don't know. Defending himself, prepping for contact, stepping into it. You be the judge. Fight about it in the comments. Hit him in the foot. So, now Sodto comes up. He's got a runner on first. Double play opportunity for the Red Sox. Lindor probably going to try and steal. They open him up. Curveball. Ball in the dirt. He's excited. Maybe a fast ball's going to come. Maybe I can swing. Maybe Lindor gets in scoring position first. He's off. Pitch was down the middle, but it was called the ball. Huer says it's right down the middle. Letting him know. I know he's safe at second, but that's a strike. Blue turns around to make sure and he says, "Yep, two and0." And then you can hear him on the hot mic [Music] scream. Hey, get back on the mound and watch those buddies. I don't like that. I'm not into the buddies. Then he's really going to yell at him. Back on the mound. What? I'll call the game. You throw the game. It's right down the [ __ ] middle. Hey. Hey. I'm telling...