Walker Buehler and Alex Cora had a brief appearance at Fenway Park on Tuesday. The pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and their manager were ejected from the game against the New York Mets after protesting a contentious call by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. The uproar began when Estabrook ruled what seemed to be an obvious strike as a ball in the third inning, prompting Buehler to angrily mutter a distinct “F*** you” at Estabrook, who promptly expelled him from the contest.
Cora then approached Estabrook, leading to a heated exchange that resulted in Cora’s ejection as well, marking the 18th of his managerial career. For Buehler, this was his second ejection, both occurring against the Mets, and it came during his return start following a stint on the injured list due to a right shoulder issue. Despite the ejections, the Red Sox secured a 2-0 victory as six relievers managed to hold the Mets to just four hits. The reactions of Cora and Buehler were understandable given the circumstances, as even the broadcasters noted the call should have been a strike.
Brennan Bernardino stepped in for Buehler, throwing two more balls and issuing a walk to Juan Soto. Cora expressed confusion over the situation, stating, “It was unusual; they were exchanging words,” as reported by ESPN. He added, “I’ve been in this role for a while, and I just pleaded, ‘Let me take the fall, eject me instead, but let the pitcher stay.’ But apparently, Estabrook had reached his limit. I’m not sure why.” Entering Tuesday’s matchup, the Red Sox held a 24-25 record and had won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 triumph over the Mets on Monday, a game Cora missed due to his daughter’s college graduation.
Walker Buehler and Alex Cora had a brief appearance at Fenway Park on Tuesday. The pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and their manager were ejected from the game against the New York Mets after protesting a contentious call by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. The uproar began when Estabrook ruled what seemed to be an obvious strike as a ball in the third inning, prompting Buehler to angrily mutter a distinct “F*** you” at Estabrook, who promptly expelled him from the contest. Cora then approached Estabrook, leading to a heated exchange that resulted in Cora’s ejection as well, marking the 18th of his managerial career. For Buehler, this was his second ejection, both occurring against the Mets, and it came during his return start following a stint on the injured list due to a right shoulder issue.
Despite the ejections, the Red Sox secured a 2-0 victory as six relievers managed to hold the Mets to just four hits. The reactions of Cora and Buehler were understandable given the circumstances, as even the broadcasters noted the call should have been a strike. Brennan Bernardino stepped in for Buehler, throwing two more balls and issuing a walk to Juan Soto. Cora expressed confusion over the situation, stating, “It was unusual; they were exchanging words,” as reported by ESPN. He added, “I’ve been in this role for a while, and I just pleaded, ‘Let me take the fall, eject me instead, but let the pitcher stay.’ But apparently, Estabrook had reached his limit. I’m not sure why.” Entering Tuesday’s matchup, the Red Sox held a 24-25 record and had won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 triumph over the Mets on Monday, a game Cora missed due to his daughter’s college graduation.