Detroit Tigers center fielder Javier Baez (also known as Javy) was so angry being after ejected from Monday's game against San Francisco for arguing a bad strike three call that he had to be restrained.
Baez came up as the leadoff batter in the bottom of the fifth inning with no outs and nobody on as the Tigers led 3-0. On the 3-2 count, Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong threw an 80 mph curve ball that appeared to be low and a bit outside of the strike zone. However, home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi called strike three. It was Baez's second strikeout of the game.
Baez did not agree with the call and express his frustration to Cuzzi. Baez did not appear overly angry at first, but said something to Cuzzi before walking away that must have stepped over the line, as Cuzzi ejected him. Tigers manager AJ Hinch was running out of the dugout in an attempt to protect Baez, but he didn't make it in time as he was one step away from Cuzzi before Baez was ejected. While Hinch talked to Cuzzi, Baez became completely irate and had to be held back by Gleyber Torres and assistant coach Joey Cora.
Umpires are at their discretion to allow players to release some frustration after a strike three call they may not agree with. However, players who criticize umpires will usually get ejected. It's not fair, but that's the way it is. At least for now, until MLB uses machines to call balls and strikes. We understand why Baez was frustrated as it appeared to be a bad call, but he has to keep his emotions in check.
Baez was replaced by Matt Vierling. The Tigers went on to win the game 3-1 for their second straight win.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
