ST. PETERSBURG — After being called out for running inside the first-base line on the infield grass during a bunt single, Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr.. and manager Craig Stammen were both ejected by second-base umpire and crew chief Andy Fletcher for arguing that decision during the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
With two outs, Tatis laid down a bunt and appeared to reach safely before advancing to second on a throwing error by Rays reliever Cam Booser. As Tatis raced to second base, he was called out because first-base umpire Cory Blaser ruled that Tatis had initially run too far inside the first-base line.
Stammen immediately sprang from the dugout to argue the call.
During the fracas, Tatis approached the umpires and wagged an index finger their way. Stammen was tossed, followed by Tatis, who made it a show by stripping off the protective armor for his arms and legs, slamming each piece of equipment to the ground for emphasis.
“It’s a rule made for somebody who hasn’t played the game,’’ Tatis said. “We just got thrown out and obviously, I’m hot. I just got a base hit taken away from a really tough series. We’re over here grinding, and then that’s obviously a base hit. As a player and guy who plays every single day and knows how hard this game is … it should get you hot because you definitely care and you want to do good for the team.
“They didn’t care to explain [the ruling]. They didn’t even care to give me the face. I felt like I played this game for a very long time and, you know, I should deserve some answers.’’
Stammen said he felt Tatis should’ve been assessed a uniform violation — which he was — without the ejection.
“It’s one of the rules that we all know is not perfect in baseball — and it’s hard to umpire that rule also,’’ Stammen said. “Baseball has to figure out a way to have that play umpired correctly. Does the runner running where the base is really affect the throw? Is that an advantage of the hitter and a disadvantage of the pitcher?
“From my perspective, if you’re running at the base straight-on and the throw doesn’t touch you, it didn’t really affect the play. It was a bad play by the pitcher, and he gets off scot-free. Any time you’re in the [infield] grass, the umpires have the opportunity to call you out for it, and that’s what they decided today.
“From my perspective, the left-handed pitcher’s back is turned, and the ball is not in his hand and he’s getting ready to throw when Tatis is getting to the dirt. So while he’s in the grass — or turf in this case — the play is not being made and it has no effect on the end result of it. That is my viewpoint.’’