Inside the Controversial Ejection: Alex Cora and Umpire Discuss Walker Buehler’s ‘Aggressive’ Exit During Red Sox Victory

BOSTON — Walker Buehler was having a solid comeback in the Red Sox rotation on Tuesday. Then, everything changed. In the third inning, after a discussion with umpire Mike Estabrook about a 2-0 pitch to Juan Soto, Buehler was suddenly ejected. This marked only the second time in his career he has faced such a fate.

Estabrook didn’t stop with Buehler. He also tossed manager Alex Cora after Cora rushed onto the field, trying to defuse the situation. Just like that, the Red Sox lost their starter and had to regroup.

“I watched the replay later,” Cora said. “It looked pretty intense. But we have to respect the umpire’s decision.”

Buehler’s last pitch was a fastball to Soto that all seemed to agree was a strike. However, the ump’s angle was blocked as he caught the ball while trying to make a play at second base. Buehler argued, letting Estabrook know he thought the pitch was “right down the (expletive) middle” more than once before being ejected.

“Things escalated quickly,” said catcher Carlos Narváez. “I tried to calm him down because I saw it was in the zone.”

Umpires typically allow some leeway early in games, but Estabrook and the crew decided to stick to the rules. “Once you leave your position to argue balls and strikes, that’s an immediate ejection,” explained crew chief Laz Diaz.

Cora has been ejected 18 times in his career, but this was different. He passionately argued for Buehler, asking Estabrook to reconsider his decision. “He didn’t use the best words, and that got him ejected,” Diaz explained later.

In a surprising move, Cora smashed the cover to the bullpen phone on his way out, saying, “It hurt, too!”

Reflecting on his emotions, Cora noted the importance of staying focused. “I learned a lot from my predecessor, Dave Dombrowski. He told me you’re paid to stay glued in the dugout.”

Buehler, fresh off a stint on the injured list, took a more reserved approach. He didn’t point fingers at Estabrook. Instead, he expressed disappointment for letting his emotions get the better of him. “I regret putting my team in a tough situation,” Buehler shared. “That’s the part that stings the most.”

Despite losing their starter, the Red Sox managed to pull off a victory, relying on their bullpen to cover 6 ⅔ scoreless innings. The team showed resilience, marking their second consecutive win against a formidable Mets lineup.

“This just reinforces our depth,” Cora sweetly remarked, adding that it’s great to see the team step up when it counts.

In a league where emotions often run high, this incident reminds us how swiftly a game can shift, and how crucial it is for players and coaches to keep their composure. This season, maintaining that level-headedness might make all the difference as the Red Sox aim for a strong postseason performance.



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