Braves' Chris Sale Tossed Before Game for Umpire Dispute

WHO:

Fox News - Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves ace

AP News - Umpire Dan Merzel, crew chief Dan Bellino, manager Walt Weiss, center fielder Michael Harris II

WHAT:

AP News - Sale allowed three runs and five hits in six innings during the previous game against the Yankees, marking his first loss since June 28.

AP News - In his third season with the Braves, Sale has a record of 12-7 with a 2.20 ERA in 21 starts.

Fox News - Chris Sale was ejected before the game started after confronting the umpire.

AP News - Sale was ejected by umpire Dan Merzel before a pitch was thrown in the game against the New York Yankees.

AP News - Sale was called for a balk during the fifth inning of a previous game, which resulted in a run being scored.

AP News - This was Sale's fourth career ejection and his first since August 3, 2019.

WHERE:

AP News - The incident occurred at the Braves' dugout on the third base side during a game against the New York Yankees.

WHEN:

AP News - The balk call occurred during the fifth inning of a game that resulted in a 5-4 loss for the Braves.

AP News - Sale's last ejection prior to this incident was on August 3, 2019.

WHY:

AP News - Manager Walt Weiss stated, “I think he had some words for the umpire from yesterday, but you know what, it’s behind us.”

AP News - Sale confronted the umpire due to a balk call that he disagreed with, which he believed was unfair.

HOW:

AP News - Sale began yelling at umpire Dan Merzel as umpires took the field, leading to his ejection.

In a recent game against the Yankees, Sale allowed three runs and five hits over six innings, marking his first loss since June 28. Now in his third season with the Braves, he holds a record of twelve wins and seven losses, along with an impressive earned run average of 2.20 in twenty-one starts. Manager Walt Weiss commented on the situation, saying, “I think he had some words for the umpire from yesterday, but you know what, it’s behind us.”