Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer found himself at the center of a heated moment on Tuesday night after a controversial call during a game against the Los Angeles Angels led to his ejection.
The incident occurred during the top of the 7th inning at Rogers Centre in Toronto, with the Blue Jays holding a comfortable 5-0 lead.
Springer stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases empty, facing Angels pitcher Kenny Rosenberg. On a 1-2 count, Rosenberg delivered a pitch that veered sharply inside, appearing to make contact with Springer’s right foot. Confident that he had been hit by the pitch, Springer began walking toward first base, expecting the umpire to award him the base.
However, home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez did not see it that way. Gonzalez ruled that the pitch had not hit Springer, instead calling it a ball.
The Blue Jays promptly challenged the call, hoping for a reversal after video review. But to Springer’s dismay, the ruling stood, and the pitch was deemed a ball rather than a hit-by-pitch.
Frustrated by the decision, Springer voiced his displeasure to Gonzalez, who quickly ejected him from the game.
The ejection triggered an emotional response from Springer, who began arguing vehemently with the umpire. His anger was so intense that teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had to step in and physically restrain him from escalating the confrontation further.
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Springer’s reaction suggested he was certain the ball had made contact with his foot, an impression that only fueled his frustration when the call didn’t go his way. His passionate protest indicated that he genuinely believed the ruling was incorrect, rather than merely trying to bluff his way to first base.
With Springer ejected, the Blue Jays turned to outfielder Addison Barger to replace him in the lineup.
Despite the tense moment, Toronto managed to maintain their composure and ultimately secured a 6-1 victory over the Angels, continuing their strong performance.
The incident highlights the intensity and passion Springer brings to the game, even in a situation where his team was in control. While the ejection was a low point in the game for Springer, the Blue Jays still emerged with a decisive win, keeping their momentum alive.
