Players from the Rays and Angels have a standoff during the national anthem, resulting in pregame ejections at Tropicana Field.

Angels Triumph Over Rays Despite Ejections

The Los Angeles Angels secured a victory against the Tampa Bay Rays, who currently lead the AL East, in a game that was somewhat overshadowed by pre-game chaos. Three players were ejected before the first pitch even happened.

Brent Suter, a relief pitcher for the Angels, along with Rays pitchers Steven Wilson and Manuel Rodriguez, were sent off by the third base umpire during a late afternoon game at Tropicana Field. This unusual situation arose from what seemed to be a standoff connected to the national anthem prior to the game.

As “The Star-Spangled Banner” concluded, Suter remained near the third base dugout, while Wilson and Rodriguez found themselves by the first base dugout alongside the Rays mascot. Things escalated just as Drew Rasmussen was getting ready to pitch, with Angels leadoff hitter Zach Neto in the batter’s box, awaiting the first pitch.

Ultimately, the referee confirmed the ejection of all three players involved in the incident. Despite this unexpected start, the game went on as planned.

Suter had pitched in the series opener against the Rays, and there was some uncertainty about whether he would be able to pitch on consecutive days. Meanwhile, Rodriguez and Wilson have not yet taken the field this season; Rodriguez is still recovering from elbow surgery, and Wilson is dealing with lumbar discitis.