In a dramatic turn of events at Petco Park on Tuesday night, Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was ejected from the game after he took off his cleat and sock to argue with plate umpire Brennan Miller. Altuve believed that he had fouled a ball off his foot in the ninth inning, but the play was ruled a 5-3 putout and the final out of the inning. Altuve briefly limped after hitting the ball and didn’t run to first base as he was thrown out by the Padres.
Altuve immediately disputed the call, with manager Joe Espada joining in to plead their case. However, when it became clear that the ruling would not be changed, Altuve decided to take matters into his own hands (or feet). He removed his left shoe and sock and hobbled over to Miller, pointing at his foot to show where he had been hit. Miller promptly ejected Altuve from the game.
Espada expressed frustration with the umpires’ decision, stating that they should have been able to see whether or not it was a foul ball based on factors such as how it hit Altuve’s foot and how it affected the flight of the ball. This incident marks Altuve’s third career ejection and second this season.
Altuve explained that his actions were similar to when players remove their batting gloves to show where they were hit by a pitch on their hand. He felt that taking away what could have been a crucial at-bat in a high-pressure situation was unfair.
Espada commended Altuve for his passion for winning and understood why he took off his cleat and shoe in an attempt to reverse the call. He stated that if he were in Altuve’s position, he might have done something similar.
this incident showcased both frustration from Altuve over what he believed was an incorrect call and support from Espada for standing up for himself in pursuit of victory.
