SEATTLE (AP) -Detroit Tigers All-Star Ivan Rodriguez was ejected from Thursday’s game with the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning for arguing that he was interfered with while trying to throw out a base stealer.
As the 14-time All-Star catcher was trying to throw out Adrian Beltre at second base, batter Yuniesky Betancourt was bent over and astride the plate. Rodriguez avoided making contact with Betancourt, but his throw sailed over second base and into center field for an error that allowed Beltre to advance to third.
While Beltre was still running, Rodriguez gestured with one arm and then bent over and pointed at the plate with both hands to plate umpire Mike Winters, demonstrating how he felt Betancourt had impeded him. Winters yelled back at Rodriguez, “You never touched him!”
The irate Rodriguez, who had two singles in two at bats, then moved toward Winters and appeared to come close to bumping the umpire chest-to-chest – if not making contact. That is when Winters ejected him.
Manager Jim Leyland raced out to separate Rodriguez from Winters, as the catcher continued yelling and gesturing wildly. Leyland escorted the still-yelling Rodriguez from the field.
Mike Rabelo replaced Rodriguez in the lineup.
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