Altuve ejected for 2nd time in MLB career when called out on what appeared to be foul ball
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve, second from right, argues on the field before being ejected by umpire James Jean during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Sunday, June 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Astros star Jose Altuve was ejected for the second time in his major league career after tossing his helmet and bat when umpires called him out on what appeared to be a foul ball.
Houston had a 4-2 lead and runners on second and third with two outs in the seventh inning against the New York Mets on Sunday when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot. The ball went on three hops to third baseman Mark Vientos, who threw to first as Altuve remained in the batter’s box.
Umpire James Jean stands behind home plate during the fourth inning of a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, Sunday, June 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
James Jean, umpiring behind the plate for the first time after making his major league debut Friday, didn’t signal a foul ball.
Altuve argued and manager Joe Espada came onto the field. The four umpires conferenced — that type of call is not subject to a video review — and crew chief Alan Porter signaled the out call.
Altuve then slammed his helmet and bat and was ejected.
His other ejection was on Aug. 6, 2016, when he was tossed during the seventh inning of a 3-2 loss against Texas for arguing after a called third strike by Porter.
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The Associated Press