Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette was ejected from Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals after a called strikeout in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The struggling Bichette appeared frustrated as he was called for a third strike and threw his helmet to the ground. Home plate umpire Jonathan Parra immediately tossed him from the game as manager John Schneider sought an explanation.
It was the first ejection of Bichette’s career.
“I thought it was a really good helmet toss. And I thought (the ejection) was a little early,” Schneider said after a 6-3 win.
Bichette had one hit and one run in three at-bats. He was moved down to fifth in the batting order ahead of Saturday’s game, in favour of Daulton Varsho, who hit second.
“Nothing I did was really towards (Parra). That’s all I’ve got.,” Bichette said.
The 26-year-old, much like most of the Blue Jays, has struggled to get going offensively to start the season. He has 24 hits, 11 RBI and just one home run in 119 at-bats. He’s slashing .202/.256/.286, each well below his career average.
Bichette was replaced at shortstop by Isiah Kiner-Falefa.