Why was Pete Walker ejected?

Pete Walker the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB) was ejected in the second inning on Tuesday, July 18 2023, against the San Diego Padres for arguing balls and strikes with plate umpire Malachi Moore.

Pete Walker and Blue Jays manager John Schneider were both dissatisfied with multiple mistakes in the first inning, including a two-strike pitch to Juan Soto that Malachi Moore labelled a ball. Soto followed with a two-run home run.

Moore had already cautioned Toronto’s dugout twice when Walker headed to the mound in the second inning to see right-hander Alek Manoah following a two-out walk to ninth-hitter Trent Grisham.

Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker has been ejected from tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/Rkylk7OwOI

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 18, 2023

 

Pete Walker did not turn to face Moore when the umpire entered the room to break up the conversation, instead continuing to speak with his hand over his mouth.

Moore ejected Walker shortly after getting at the mound. The ejection was Toronto’s third of the season and Walker’s first. All three ejections were for arguing about balls and strikes.