BOSTON — Red Sox third base coach Brian Butterfield was ejected in the seventh inning of the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays for arguing a controversial call in which second baseman Dustin Pedroia was thrown out at home plate.
Pedroia singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning and raced around the bases when David Ortiz planted a one-out double off the left field wall. Pedroia was called out upon sliding feet-first into home, which prompted a challenge from Red Sox manager John Farrell.
The review lasted approximately 1Â minute, 52 seconds before the umpires upheld the initial call because there wasn’t enough evidence to prove Pedroia slid in safely. It’s possible Pedroia got his foot in ahead of catcher Jose Molina’s tag, but it was unclear whether Pedey’s foot actually grazed the plate.
Butterfield, who disputed the call the second the play concluded, grew even more furious when the initial call was upheld. He was tossed by first base umpire Toby Basner, who made the call at home with home plate umpire CB Bucknor up the third base line.
First base coach Arnie Beyeler moved across the diamond to coach third base after Butterfield’s ejection. Hitting coach Victor Rodriguez coached first base.
Watch the controversial play below.
