Apr 30, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo (25) talks an MLB official during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo saved star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from getting ejected from Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros.
As is the case every year, there is always going to be a discrepancy over the strike zone between the batter and home plate umpire. Just look at what happened between Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Angel Hernandez.
During the Toronto Blue Jays‘ game on Saturday, Apr. 30 against the Houston Astros, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not agree with a strike call in the bottom of the fifth inning that fell on the bottom corner of the zone. Guerrero threw his bat to the ground and walked away from the batter’s box, visibly frustrated.
That is when manager Charlie Montoyo came to the rescue, as he got in the face of umpire Nic Lentz and shared some words with him before getting ejected.
Blue Jays: Charlie Montoyo saved Vlad Jr. from unnecessary ejection
Montoyo confirmed, via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, that he argued with the home plate umpire as a way to prevent Guerrero from getting tossed from the game. Sure enough, that plan worked out, as Guerrero remained in the game.
The Blue Jays held on to win 2-1. Outfielder George Springer was responsible for Toronto’s runs scored after hitting two solo home runs. In fact, his first of the day arrived from the leadoff position. That was officially the 46th leadoff home run of his career.
Guerrero finished the game going 0-for-4, where he struck out two times and left three runners on base.