Manager Joe Espada was ejected from the Houston Astros’ 6-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners during an odd sequence in the fifth inning Saturday.
After left fielder Jesús Sánchez took a called third strike, members of the Astros’ dugout barked at home plate umpire Shane Livensparger, not for the first time in the game. Livensparger signaled an ejection and Espada emerged from the dugout for a discussion with him.
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Espada returned to the dugout after it and remained there. Between innings, Livensparger and crew chief Mike Muchlinski walked over to the Astros’ dugout, apparently noticing Espada was still there. Espada had a heated exchange with Muchlinski before departing.
Both hitting coach Troy Snitker and Espada were ejected, it was later announced. Espada said after the game he was unsure at what point he was ejected, which is why he remained in the dugout until the bottom of the fifth ended.
“I went out there and asked who got ejected,” Espada said. “He said Troy. So I assumed that was the only (one). And I guess I got ejected too during that inning. But whatever. He didn’t have a good night behind the plate.”
It was the second ejection of the season for Espada. The first occurred during a May 18 game at Texas, also for arguing balls and strikes.