Houston Astros star Jose Altuve was ejected for only the second time in his major league career after a controversial call during a game against the New York Mets. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, but the umpires did not signal foul. This led to Altuve tossing his helmet and bat in frustration, resulting in his ejection from the game.
At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading 4-2 with runners on second and third and two outs. Altuve’s reaction came after third baseman Mark Vientos threw the ball to first as Altuve stayed in the batter’s box. Umpire James Jean, who was behind the plate for the first time, did not see it as a foul ball, leading to the controversial call that sparked Altuve’s outburst.
Manager Joe Espada came onto the field to argue on Altuve’s behalf, but the umpires, including crew chief Alan Porter, upheld the out call. This type of call was not eligible for video review, leaving Altuve and the Astros with no recourse but to accept the decision made by the referees. This frustrating turn of events led to Altuve’s ejection from the game.
This was only the second time in Altuve’s career that he had been ejected from a game. The first incident occurred on August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers. Altuve was ejected for arguing a called third strike by Alan Porter, who was also the crew chief in the recent game against the Mets. Altuve’s history of passionate reactions to controversial calls underscores his intensity and competitiveness on the field.
Despite the ejection of Altuve, the Astros managed to hold on to their lead and ultimately secured the victory against the Mets. Altuve’s reaction, though born out of frustration, did not ultimately impact the outcome of the game. However, it serves as a reminder of the emotions that can run high in high-stakes games and the importance of maintaining composure in the face of adversity.
The ejection of Altuve will likely be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts in the days following the game. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by umpires in making split-second decisions that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. While Altuve’s reaction may have been excessive, it highlights the intensity and passion that players bring to the game, making baseball a thrilling and unpredictable sport for both players and fans alike.
