Red Sox commentators criticize umpire for ejecting Willson Contreras: ‘Are we becoming too soft?’

Will Middlebrooks, a commentator for the Red Sox, criticized the umpire who threw out Willson Contreras for arguing a call, describing him as “a complete joke” and “an embarrassment to the game.”

In the second inning, Contreras struck out on a pitch but didn’t say much to the umpire. As he walked back to the dugout, he tapped his helmet, seemingly indicating he disagreed with the ruling.

First base umpire Nick Lentz was quick to eject him during the Red Sox’s 6-3 victory.

On the NESN broadcast, Middlebrooks expressed disbelief, saying, “So basically, ‘I don’t agree with it. I’m objecting to it.’ So you get thrown? Are you kidding? How soft are we?”

He argued that baseball should entertain fans and that umpires should work to keep the top players in the game.

Lentz later clarified his decision to reporter Pete Abraham, stating that any mocking gesture by a player on a non-challenged call warrants automatic ejection. “If you have a fairly immediate disagreement, you’re going to get an immediate ejection,” he explained.

Contreras, surprised by the call, mentioned he believed he had a good rapport with Lentz and felt okay even without direct eye contact.

Despite only having two at-bats, Contreras hit a remarkable 421-foot home run in the first inning, maintaining a 3-1 lead for the Red Sox. This emotional tribute was particularly significant for the Venezuelan native, as it coincided with the tragic earthquake that claimed over 1,700 lives in his country.

“The home run was just my way of praying to God for it to happen because that’s all I can physically do for Venezuela right now. My emotions ran high,” Contreras shared.

He reflected on the loss of many children and others in the tragedy, saying, “It’s not easy to deal with that,” adding that he had discussed the situation with Lentz before the game.