Kyle Tucker Responds to Controversial Ejection vs Twins

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

The Houston Astros were able to thwart a potential sweep by the Minnesota Twins on Sunday with a 5-1 victory, but the win didn't come without a bit of controversy. Outfielder Kyle Tucker was ejected for the first time in his MLB career after arguing a baserunner interference rule in the eighth inning.

Tucker slapped a grounder to second base with the bases loaded and no outs. Nick Gordon threw home to get the force out and catcher Ryan Jeffers immediately threw to first base in a double play attempt, but the ball hit Tucker in the elbow as his foot hit the bag. The umpire ruled Tucker out by interference.

Kyle Tucker Ejected From Game

Like almost any judgment call, it was not a clear-cut ruling. The umpire decided that Tucker was out of the baseline and impeded the first baseman's ability to field the throw. Tucker didn't see it that way, explaining "I thought I was running direct to the bag and the throw was in line with that.”

Houston's dugout immediately complained right after the call and it didn't help that the play was not reviewable. Astros manager Dusty Baker made his opinion heard by the umpire before Tucker yelled one too many times and was ejected. It was a rare show of emotion for a usually calm and collected player.

Controversy aside, the Astros avoided the sweep with a win and are now on to Pittsburgh for an exciting three-game series against the Pirates. Tucker has enjoyed a respectable start to the year, slashing .257/.381/.571 with 4 runs, 3 home runs, 2 doubles, 8 RBIs and 2 stolen bases in 10 games played.

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