Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Josh Rojas warms up for the team’s baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Josh Rojas and manager Torey Lovullo were ejected on Wednesday in the sixth inning vs. the Houston Astros.
Rojas took a called third strike from Astros RHP Justin Verlander, his third strikeout in just three at-bats against Houston’s ace.
Josh Rojas and Torey Lovullo have been ejected by umpire Alan Porter. pic.twitter.com/n4DUe0v4mj
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) September 29, 2022
Clearly frustrated, Rojas slammed the bat into the ground earning an automatic ejection from home plate umpire Alan Porter.
Rojas did not realize he was ejected till a few moments after the event.
D-backs’ broadcaster and former manager Bob Brenly pointed out that many umpires around the league will recognize that the batter struck out for the third consecutive time and give them a longer leash or even just an equipment fine.
Arizona sent RHP Zac Gallen to the bump against the AL Cy Young favorite Verlander on Wednesday night.
After Gallen received two runs before taking the mound, he yielded just a two-run home run to Chas McCormick through seven innings.
In his last 10 starts before Wednesday, Gallen has only allowed four or more hits three times.
Arizona is tied with Houston 2-2 in the eighth inning. Catch the rest of the action on ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 FM HD-2.
