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Twins Manager Derek Shelton Ejected After Heated Umpire Dispute During Reds Game
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected during Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds after a heated exchange with home plate umpire Nic Lentz. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Shelton voiced frustration over a check swing call that overturned a previous ruling, allowing Reds star Elly De La Cruz to hit an RBI single and narrow the Twins’ lead.
Shelton’s dissatisfaction was audible from the dugout, leading to his ejection following a tense confrontation with the umpire. Shelton insisted he was not directing any comments at the officials and was merely expressing frustration, but Lentz ejected him shortly thereafter. Shelton denied making any comments at the umpire directly, stating he had his head down and was not intentionally challenging the call.
This marks Shelton’s second ejection of the season, the first involving a dispute over the new Automated Balls and Strikes system. The game ultimately resulted in a Reds 5-4 victory, but the incident highlighted ongoing tensions between managers and umpires over officiating calls.