Story perspectives

Chris Sale ejected, Braves manager also tossed for windup violation

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chris Sale was ejected by umpire Dan Merzel before the August 9, 2026 game at Yankee Stadium.
Crew chief Dan Bellino said Sale, a hybrid pitcher, failed to declare a windup pitch, which triggered the ejection.
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss was also tossed in the same incident.
The ejection was Sale’s fourth career removal and his first since August 3, 2019, leaving him with a 12-7 record and a 2.20 ERA.

History

Historical Context

On July 24, 1983, Yankees manager Billy Martin cited the 18-inch pine-tar rule, leading umpires to measure George Brett’s bat at about 24 inches and nullify his home run. American League president Lee MacPhail upheld Kansas City’s protest, ordering the game resumed on August 18, 1983 and restoring the run. In August 2026, umpire Dan Merzel ejected Chris Sale for failing to declare a windup, echoing the league’s long-standing tension over strict rule enforcement.

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Story summary

Chris Sale was ejected by umpire Dan Merzel before the August 9, 2026 game at Yankee Stadium.
Crew chief Dan Bellino said Sale, a hybrid pitcher, failed to declare a windup pitch, which triggered the ejection.
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss was also tossed in the same incident.
The ejection was Sale’s fourth career removal and his first since August 3, 2019, leaving him with a 12-7 record and a 2.20 ERA.

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