MLB players are ejected frequently. It is something that practically everyone sees on a daily basis. But a player getting ejected after taking off his cleats and socks on the field? That’s not something you see very often.
Jose Altuve, the Houston Astros’ second baseman, did just that in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. With two outs in the top of the ninth inning against Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez, Altuve grounded a one-hitter to third. However, the Astros star did not run down the first base line because he believed he had fouled the ball off his foot.
Altuve used that time to make his case to home plate umpire Brennan Miller, who didn’t seem to believe him, even as Astros manager Joe Espada exited from the dugout to join the argument.
Altuve then took matters into his own hands—or, in this case, foot.
Altuve removed his cleat and sock and pointed to his foot, attempting to demonstrate to Miller that the ball had been fouled off his foot. The Astros’ infielder was promptly ejected.
Following the game, Altuve informed reporters that the umpires “took it [his foul ball] away from me.”
“It was going through my head that it can’t happen,” Altuve told the media. “It’s the ninth inning and the winning run is on second base, and I’m up against a terrific pitcher, Suarez, the closer. So, obviously, we’re aiming to get a hit, drive in a run, and win the game.
“I received a foul ball because it struck my foot, and they simply took it away from me. I don’t believe it can happen. There were four umpires on the field. You have to see the ball’s change of direction and make the correct call.”
Altuve has experienced this type of situation twice this season.
He was disqualified from a game against the New York Mets on June 30 when officials concluded he was out on a live ball rather than fouling it off of his foot. Altuve was furious and was nearly immediately dismissed from the game.
The Astros return to action against the Padres on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET.
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