Morning Sports Update

Walker Buehler responds on social media to umpire’s claim after being ejected in Red Sox win

"Who cut the distance?"

Walker Bueheler Red Sox
Walker Buehler shouts at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook prior to being ejected in the third inning of the Red Sox win over the Mets. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

Walker Buehler’s response to being ejected: During the third inning of Tuesday’s Red Sox-Mets matchup at Fenway Park, Boston starter Walker Buehler was ejected from the game after becoming embroiled in a heated discussion with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook.

Buehler, 30, had only just been reinstated from the 15-day injured list prior to the game. As he worked his way through the third inning, he threw what appeared to be a strike to Juan Soto of the Mets. Estabrook, however, deemed it had been outside the strike zone, and the count moved to 2-0.

Buehler had words for Estabrook, who removed his mask and started walking out toward the pitcher’s mound. Moments later, Buehler was thrown out of the game (Red Sox manager Alex Cora quickly followed). Despite the setback, Boston emerged victorious by a 2-0 scoreline.

After the game, Buehler had some thoughts on the matter. Taking to social media, he took accountability for being ejected so early in the game, and credited his fellow pitchers for maintaining the shutout he’d begun.

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“Bullpen full of savages!” he wrote on Instagram. “Brutal way to come back and horrendous spot to put those boys in but huge team win. I’ll be better! W!”

He then jumped on X (formerly Twitter) to continue his commentary. Spotting the postgame comment from umpire crew chief Laz Diaz about the ejections, Buehler quoted a post by MassLive reporter Chris Cotillo.

“Who cut the distance?” he replied to Diaz’s quote, which claimed the Red Sox pitcher “[left] his position to argue balls and strikes.”

Spying a video that showed Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor advocating for him to be ejected, Buehler added one final post.

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“I wouldn’t want me out there either,” he joked. “Sad thing is the BULLPEN is full of f****** animals. Tough choice.”

Buehler is 4-1 so far in 2025 with a 4.00 ERA. He signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox in late 2024 after spending the entirety of his MLB career prior to that with the Dodgers.

Trivia: Walker Buehler started Game 3 of the 2018 World Series for the Dodgers against the Red Sox, pitching seven scoreless innings and striking out seven. However, the game ended up going to extra innings after Buehler’s teammate blew the save, with the game lasting into the 18th before Los Angeles secured their lone win of the series. Which Dodgers pitcher blew the save that night?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He pitched for the Red Sox in 2023 and 2024.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox got a 2-0 win over the Mets on Tuesday, with seven Boston pitchers combining for the shutout after starter Walker Buehler was ejected in the third inning.

The Revolution lost 3-1 to the Chicago Fire in Providence on Tuesday night in a U.S. Open Cup clash. New England will be on the road this Saturday against Sporting Kansas City at 8:30 p.m.

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More from Boston.com:

Albert Pujols talking Rafael Devers: The former slugger dove into the adjustments that Devers has made.

On this day: A year ago, Jayson Tatum (36 points, 12 rebounds) led the Celtics past the Pacers 133-128 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Daily highlight: Omar Marmoush scored an absurd shot from distance in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Trivia answer: Kenley Jansen

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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