CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was ejected for arguing a pitch call by plate umpire Chad Fairchild, then poked at his chest protector and bumped him before leaving the field.
Mesoraco objected when Fairchild called a close pitch a ball with San Diego’s Chase Headley at bat in the third inning and the Padres leading 9-3. The rookie catcher stood up, removed his mask and argued, drawing an ejection.
Holding the ball in his right hand, Mesoraco pointed at the umpire’s chest with his index finger. Fairchild pointed to his own chest, indicating he’d just been poked by the catcher. Manager Dusty Baker came out and tried to pull the catcher away, but Mesoraco went toward the umpire again and bumped into him.
Mesoraco faces a suspension for the outburst.
