Walker Buehler Chews Out Ump For Missing Easy Strike, Gets Tossed

Open your eyes, blue!

Boston Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler, fresh off the 15-day IL, delivered a fiery performance in his return against the New York Mets, pitching 2 ¹/₃ innings before an ejection cut his night short.

In the third inning, facing Juan Soto on a 1-0 count, Buehler threw a clear strike that home plate umpire Mike Estabrook called a ball. 

Earlier in the frame, Buehler had walked Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor after hitting him with a pitch — partly due to Lindor’s half-hearted dodge. 

Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez then attempted a pickoff at second on Lindor’s stolen base try, but the play went awry.

Frustrated by Estabrook’s missed call on Soto, Buehler erupted. "It’s right down the [expletive] middle!" the former Dodger shouted. 

Estabrook fired back, "Get back on the mound!" 

BOSTON - Walker Buehler of the Boston Red Sox walks off the field after being ejected in the third inning against the New York Mets at Fenway Park on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Buehler’s continued F-bomb-laced tirade earned him an ejection from Estabrook.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora stormed out of the dugout, incensed that his pitcher was tossed in his first game back from rehab. Cora’s heated exchange with Estabrook drew crew chief Laz Diaz to intervene, but Cora’s outburst led to his own ejection.

Walker Buehler of the Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Buehler, who carries a 4.00 ERA, had been sidelined with right shoulder inflammation. The pitcher, celebrated for securing the final out in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory, recorded four strikeouts and two walks in his abbreviated return.

Estabrook's performance behind the plate on Tuesday made a convincing case for introducing robo-umps. 

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