After a video review revealed that he was not struck by a pitch, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was removed from the game against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.
Springer walked up to the plate with the Blue Jays leading 5-0 in the top of the seventh inning. Kenny Rosenberg seemed to contact Springer’s right foot with his fastball at a 1-2 count, which caused the ball to shift course and head toward the catcher. Springer signaled to Blue Jays manager John Schneider to contest the ruling, telling the umpire that the ball had struck him.
Following the review, the umpire declared that the ruling made on the field was affirmed, indicating that the Blue Jays had lost their challenge because Springer had not been struck by the pitch. Shocked, Springer cried out, “What?” from the plate. At the call, Schneider raised his arms in shock.
A heated George Springer was ejected after a video review didn't overturn a not-hit-by-pitch call. pic.twitter.com/7wwCXOgcMh
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 14, 2024
The home plate umpire, Manny Gonzalez, removed Springer from the game when he questioned the call. This sparked a heated dispute during which Springer expressed his annoyance by getting in the umpire’s face. Schneider emerged from the dugout to support Springer, raising the question of why the umpire chose not to reverse the call. Springer was restrained by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in an attempt to defuse the situation. Springer was obviously upset with Gonzalez for the call as he headed to the bench.
The Blue Jays broadcast featured a slow-motion footage that seemed to show the ball striking Springer’s right foot and reversing course. However, following a video review at MLB’s replay command center in New York, the ruling that resulted in Springer’s expulsion was upheld.
In Tuesday’s game, Springer went 0-for-2 and scored one run in the Blue Jays’ 6-1 victory over the Angels.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
