Buehler Ejected in Return as Red Sox Beat Mets

BOSTON — Boston Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler made his return to the mound on Tuesday night but did not last long. He was ejected in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes during a game against the New York Mets.

After Buehler threw a pitch to Mets outfielder Juan Soto, which was called a ball despite appearing to pass through the strike zone, he approached home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. Buehler was visibly upset, yelling and pointing, leading to his ejection. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was also tossed shortly after as he defended Buehler.

This marked the second consecutive game without Cora, who missed Monday’s opener of the series to attend his daughter’s graduation. He was replaced by bench coach Ramon Vazquez for both games. Cora expressed his confusion over the ejection but acknowledged the emotional intensity of the game. “I’ve been at this for a few years, and I was just begging, ‘Just give me a break.’ But I guess he had enough,” Cora said.

Ramon Vazquez took over and directed the team to maintain a scoreless game despite inheriting Soto after Buehler’s exit. Despite the rocky start, the Red Sox went on to win 2-0, with the bullpen combining for a shutout.

Buehler had been sidelined since April 26 due to right shoulder bursitis. He was excited to return but frustrated about the abrupt end to his outing. “Putting our team in a position like that is the only thing I really regret about that situation,” Buehler said.

Red Sox catcher Omar Narvaez supported Buehler, stating the call that sparked the ejection was indeed in the strike zone. Narvaez described Buehler as an emotional competitor, caught up in the heat of the moment.

Umpire Laz Diaz explained that Buehler’s ejection was due to stepping off the mound to argue a call. “Once anybody leaves their position to argue balls and strikes, that’s an immediate ejection,” Diaz commented after the game.

Before the game, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Derek Burdi to make room for Buehler, who signed with Boston after battling injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries throughout his career.

Buehler, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015, had a successful 2021 season before his injuries sidelined him.