| September 6, 2022, 10:35 p.m
September 6, 2022, 10:35 p.m
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider was ejected from Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles for appearing to discuss balls and strikes minutes after both benches cleared in a separate incident.
Jeff Nelson, the plate umpire, ejected Schneider after a pitch by Yimi Garcia in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The benches cleared after the top of the seventh when Bryan Baker struck out Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman, then looked into the Toronto dugout and waved his hand.
Baker appeared to exchange words with Teoscar Hernandez in the previous at-bat after the Blue Jays outfielder turned into a double play.
Hernandez was stopped by an Oriol as the benches cleared.
Baltimore’s Rougned Odor, a villain in Toronto for his punch of Jose Bautista in 2016, tried to play peacemaker, holding back Hernandez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Nelson then issued warnings to both teams.
After the game, Schneider criticized Baker, a former Blue Jay, when speaking to reporters.
“I didn’t understand why Bryan Baker was looking in our dugout after giving up a run on back-to-back days. We were surprised and not sure why Bryan was looking in our dugout. Again, it wasn’t the first time he’s done this . So, I think guys were sick of it,” Schneider said.
Nelson was also at the center of controversy Monday when he called for a balk on Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman in the first game of a doubleheader while going to second base. A livid Gausman went to the plate before being pulled by Toronto shortstop Bo Bichette.
The Orioles claimed Baker off waivers from the Blue Jays after the 2021 season.
Baker told reporters in Baltimore that he has no problem with the Blue Jays as a team.
It was Schneider’s second sacking since he was named interim manager on July 13.