Chris Sale ejected before first pitch in Yankees game

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale was ejected before the first pitch of Sunday's game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, a rare occurrence stemming from a dispute over a controversial call in the previous day's contest. The ejection occurred as the Yankees' defense was set and their starting pitcher, Cam Schlittler, was on the mound.

Television cameras captured Sale having an intense conversation from the dugout with plate umpire Dan Bellino, who was leaning over the railing. The other umpires were nearby, and third-base umpire Dan Merzel ultimately motioned for Sale to be removed. The incident unfolded with Braves leadoff hitter Drake Baldwin nearly ready to bat.

The pregame ejection was the culmination of tensions from Saturday's game, which the Braves lost 5-4. In the fifth inning of that contest, Sale was called for a balk with a runner on third base, allowing Spencer Jones to score. The call was pivotal, as it broke a 2-2 tie. Braves manager Walt Weiss was ejected after arguing the balk call, which he described as a "terrible call." According to Weiss, umpire Merzel explained that Sale had failed to declare he was pitching from the windup for that specific...