Pool Report Gives Reason For Walker Buehler’s Ejection Vs. Mets

Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler expected home plate umpire Mike Estabrook to call a strike on a 1-0 pitch he threw to Mets star Juan Soto in the top of the third inning on Tuesday night.

Buehler’s pitch was well within the strike zone but Estabrook called it a ball, which set off Buehler. And the end result was Buehler getting ejected for the first time since 2021.

Buehler barked at Estabrook from the mound before Estabrook took off his mask and began approaching the veteran pitcher. Estabrook appeared to tell Buehler to “get back on the mound,” but Buehler took a couple steps forward while still letting his frustrations out before getting tossed.

While Buehler gave his side of the story, Laz Diaz, the crew chief for the game, gave a pool report interview following Boston’s 2-0 win at Fenway Park and explained the reason behind Buehler’s ejection.

“He can say stuff from the mound. But once he comes off the mound, he’s leaving his position to argue balls and strikes,” Diaz said, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “Once anybody leaves their position to argue balls and strikes, that’s an immediate ejection.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora came out of the dugout to defend Buehler against Estabrook. Cora and Estabrook had a heated argument, and Cora was ejected, too.

Getting tossed made it an unexpectedly short outing for Buehler, who came off the injured list (shoulder bursitis) Tuesday and pitched in his first game since April 26. Buehler allowed no runs and no hits while walking two and striking out four in 2 1/3 innings.