Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale was ejected by home plate umpire Dan Merzel on Sunday during a game against the New York Yankees. The ejection occurred before a single pitch was thrown in the contest.
The removal followed an incident during the previous game on Saturday. During that matchup, Sale was called for a balk—an illegal motion by a pitcher that allows runners to advance—which resulted in a run scoring for the opposing team.
Details regarding the specific verbal exchange or actions that led to Merzel's decision on Sunday were not included in the report. The source did not specify the exact inning or time of day the ejection occurred, only noting it happened prior to the start of play.
On a broader scale, the incident impacts the 26 players on the active Braves roster and the team's management, who must adjust their strategy without their scheduled starter. The New York Yankees also face a change in game conditions, as they must prepare for a different pitcher than originally anticipated. The specific financial impact on Sale’s salary or potential fines from the league office was not reported, but MLB rules typically involve a review of ejections for potential supplemental discipline.
The knock-on effects of this ejection extend to the Braves' upcoming schedule, as the early use of relief pitchers may necessitate roster moves, such as calling up additional players from minor league affiliates to provide fresh arms. Fans attending the game or watching on television experienced a change in the advertised matchup before play commenced. What happens next depends on the official report filed by Merzel to the league office. Any potential suspension or fine resulting from the ejection would be announced by MLB following a review of the incident.