Blue Jays' George Springer, manager John Schneider ejected for arguing borderline call

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer and manager John Schneider were ejected from Thursday's game against the Cleveland Guardians for arguing a called third strike in the top of the seventh inning.

With the Blue Jays trailing 4-3 with two men on base and nobody out, home plate umpire Jeremie Rehak rang up Springer on a borderline call at the bottom of the strike zone.

Springer was heated and voiced his displeasure before beginning to walk to the dugout. The harsh words evidently continued on his stroll back to the bench, as that's when he was given the boot. Schneider then came to his star's defence and took up the fight with Rehak, quickly getting tossed for his actions.

The Blue Jays loaded the bases later in the frame thanks to a Matt Chapman infield single but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Alejandro Kirk popped out before Davis Schneider struck out swinging to end the threat.

Nathan Lukes took Springer's spot in right field, which brought Daulton Varsho into the game in centre. Bench coach Don Mattingly took over managing duties for the remainder of the contest.

Toronto did not threaten again after the seventh inning and lost the game by the same 4-3 score. Paul DeJong, batting in Springer's spot in the order, was the final out of the afternoon as the Blue Jays and Guardians split the four-game series.

John Schneider said after the game that he was unimpressed with the manner in which Springer was ejected. He believes his own removal was earned, though.

“I didn’t like the way he threw George out,” Schneider said. “You’re taking one of our best players and one of the best players in baseball out of the game. It’s always unfortunate when the players ultimately can’t decide the outcome.

“What he said I don’t think warranted an ejection. What I said did.”

The Blue Jays finished their seven-game road trip through Boston and Cleveland with a 5-2 record, but have seen their grip on a playoff spot slip to 1.5 games as the red-hot Seattle Mariners have won seven straight. Toronto begins a weekend series with the Chicago Cubs on Friday.