Walker Buehler is ejected for claiming that Francisco Lindor leaned into a pitch and that he struck Juan Soto with it

During Tuesday night’s game at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets, Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora were both ejected in the third inning following a heated dispute with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook.

The incident began when Buehler expressed frustration after Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch. Buehler appeared to believe that Lindor made insufficient effort to avoid the pitch, possibly leaning into it. Shortly thereafter, during Juan Soto’s at-bat, Lindor stole second base. On the 1-0 pitch to Soto, which replays indicated was within the strike zone, Estabrook called a ball. Buehler, visibly upset, reportedly told Estabrook the pitch was “right down the f—ing middle”.

According to crew chief Laz Diaz, Buehler was ejected for leaving the pitcher’s mound to argue balls and strikes, which constitutes an automatic ejection. Following Buehler’s ejection, Cora exited the dugout to defend his pitcher and was also ejected after a heated exchange with Estabrook.

Despite the early ejections, the Red Sox bullpen combined to shut out the Mets, securing a 2-0 victory. Buehler, making his first start since returning from the injured list, pitched 2⅓ hitless innings with four strikeouts and two walks before his ejection .

Postgame, Buehler acknowledged his emotional response, stating, “I felt very convicted in what I felt and saw, but at the same time, this is a team game and something I kind of let get out of hand”.

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