Walker Buehler ejected after explosive argument with umpire

In the United States, during a game on May 20, 2025, the Boston Red Sox faced the New York Mets. Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler, returning from the injured list, began his outing with a clear strike that home plate umpire Mike Estabrook called a ball. Frustrated by this call, Buehler erupted in anger, leading to an altercation where he shouted expletives at the umpire. His heated exchange occurred during the third inning, promptly culminating in Buehler's ejection after he stepped off the mound to confront Estabrook. Manager Alex Cora, outraged by the ejection of his pitcher in his comeback game, rushed from the dugout to defend him and was subsequently ejected as well. This event drew significant attention, mainly for the intensity of the confrontation and its potential implications for Buehler's discipline and the team dynamics moving forward. The incident took place with one out in the third inning when Buehler was pitching to Juan Soto. Having walked Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor after hitting him with a pitch, Buehler's frustration peaked when Estabrook's decision on the strike call only added to his temper. Following his ejection, Buehler expressed regret for being unable to maintain his composure, recognizing the implications of not being able to support his team actively from the mound. Mentionable is that this was not Buehler's first ejection; he has faced similar circumstances previously in his career. Following the ejections, the Red Sox managed to secure a 2-0 victory over the Mets, largely due to homers from Carlos Narváez and Rafael Devers and a strong performance from the bullpen. The team showcased resilience by overcoming the turmoil and emerged victorious in what could have been a destabilizing moment. This win improved their overall record to .500, reflecting positive momentum for the Red Sox moving forward in the season. The events also ignited discussions about umpire calls, with some viewers suggesting technology such as automated strike zones could mitigate such contentious situations in the future. The game's outcome served to underline the significance of teamwork and mental focus in professional sports, particularly in dealing with high-pressure situations that could potentially derail a game. Subsequently, it also raised questions about the conduct of players and coaches in the heat of the moment, challenging the notions of acceptable behavior on the field and the consequences of passion in sports.