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Blue Jays' George Springer ejected during game against Angels for disputing hit-by-pitch ruling
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    Blue Jays’ George Springer ejected during game against Angels for disputing hit-by-pitch ruling

    George Springer‘s night came to an early end on Tuesday.

    The Blue Jays outfielder was ejected in the top of the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels for arguing a hit-by-pitch call with home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez.

    Springer felt that he got hit in the foot on a low pitch by Angels pitcher Kenny Rosenberg. Gonzalez ruled the play a no-hit-by-pitch, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider decided to challenge the call.

    After video review, the call was not overturned, much to Springer’s dismay.

    Springer had a few choice words for Gonzalez after the review but appeared to be walking away from the umpire when he was ejected.

    That’s when Springer really lost his cool.

    After he was thrown out, Springer got up close and personal with Gonzalez and screamed in his face. He had to be restrained by both Schneider and Vladimir Guerreo Jr. before eventually making his way to the dugout and into the clubhouse.

    Springer was 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored before exiting the contest. He is the ninth Blue Jays player to be ejected from a game this season.

    Asked post-game if Springer’s frustration was about getting ejected while walking away from the umpire or about the call, manager John Schneider said it was “probably a little bit of both.”

    “George isn’t going to look into the dugout and say he got hit if he didn’t get hit,” said Schneider. “It was pretty clear from our view that he did. … There’s no need to throw George out there, you know, he was kind of walking away and gathering himself. That was kind of why I think he reacted the way he did.”

    According to Springer, his reaction was not the result of anything the umpire said to him.

    “He didn’t say anything. I mean, I know the rule, he knows the rule, I was just kind of in shock at the call,” Springer explained to reporters. “… If you argue the call in that situation it’s an automatic ejection. I get it, I know the rules and here we are.

    “… He just explained to me what happened. He said it’s not on him and I get it. At that point it goes to New York and they made the call. I was walking away to go put my stuff back on and get back in the box and I get ejected.”

    Springer later added, “I’ve got to be better. There’s kids in the stands… I can’t get that angry. I don’t want my sons to see me get that mad. So, I’ve got to be better, but it happens and it is what it is.”

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    During a recent game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Angels, star outfielder George Springer found himself ejected from the game after disputing a hit-by-pitch ruling. The incident occurred in the fifth inning when Springer was hit by a pitch from Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval.

    Initially, it appeared that the pitch had hit Springer on the wrist, causing him to react in pain and frustration. However, after reviewing the play, the umpires ruled that the ball had actually grazed Springer’s bat before hitting him, making it a foul ball rather than a hit-by-pitch.

    This ruling did not sit well with Springer, who immediately began arguing with the umpires and vehemently disputing their decision. Despite his protests, the umpires stood by their call and ultimately ejected him from the game for his behavior.

    Springer’s ejection was a blow to the Blue Jays, as he is one of their key players and a significant offensive threat. Losing him in the middle of a close game against a tough opponent like the Angels put the team at a disadvantage and likely impacted their chances of winning.

    While it’s understandable that emotions can run high in the heat of competition, it’s important for players to respect the decisions of the umpires and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Springer’s ejection serves as a reminder of the consequences that can come from letting emotions get the best of you on the field.

    In the end, the Blue Jays went on to lose the game to the Angels, but hopefully, this incident will serve as a learning experience for George Springer and the rest of the team moving forward. It’s crucial for players to maintain their composure and handle disagreements with officials in a respectful manner to avoid unnecessary ejections and disruptions to their team’s performance.