Nationals Manager Ejected After Controversial Call Against Guardians

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez was ejected after Jacob Young struck out on a controversial foul ball against the Cleveland Guardians.

May 20, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) looks out from the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports / Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Guardians and Washington Nationals found themselves at the center of an umpire controversy in their second game of the series. 

It all started in the top of the third inning as Nationals outfielder Jacob Young offered at a pitch with two strikes. 

The home plate umpire, Malachi Moore, thought that the ball hit Young’s hand as he swung which would make it an out. However, Young was adamant that the ball hit the bat which by rule would be a foul ball. However, nothing could've been done could be done after the call was made.

Young was the third out of the inning and continued to plead his case as he walked back to the dugout. That’s when Nationals manager Dave Martinez stormed onto the field to plead his case. Martinez was hot and was ultimately tossed from the game which was his first ejection of the season.

This is the play in question:

Dave Martinez just got ejected for arguing about this swinging strike call by Malachi Moore. It looks like Young made contact with the ball, but Moore called a swinging strike and Martinez was ejected. pic.twitter.com/ZxeswESxCB

— Henry Palattella (@HellaPalattella) June 1, 2024

Miguel Cairo, Washington’s bench coach, took over the managerial duties for Martinez.

Here’s the thing, Martinez and Young were both correct. The ball clearly hit the bat above Young’s hands upon looking at the replay. Moore will certainly look back at the play after the game and have some regrets about the call he made.

Davey Martinez with his first ejection of the season, and he got his money's worth. Jacob Young was called out by plate umpire Malachi Moore on what looked like a foul ball on an up-and-in pitch but was called a swinging strike by Moore. Miguel Cairo now in charge.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 1, 2024

This was a tough break for the Nationals, but ended up helping the Guardians get out of the inning.