Astros' Jose Altuve Ejected vs. Padres for Taking Off His Sock and Shoe

Why Altuve Was Ejected

Jose Altuve, the Houston Astros' second baseman, was ejected from a game against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for taking off his sock and shoe. The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning, with the Astros trailing 5-2. Altuve grounded out to third base, and as he was running to first, he appeared to feel discomfort in his foot. He stopped running and took off his sock and shoe to check on his foot. According to the official MLB rule book, players are not allowed to remove their shoes or socks during a game unless they are injured. Altuve was not injured, so his actions were deemed to be a violation of the rule. Home plate umpire Tripp Gibson ejected Altuve from the game.

Astros' Response

The Astros were not happy with Altuve's ejection. Manager Dusty Baker argued with Gibson, but to no avail. Baker said after the game that he believed Altuve was simply trying to check on his foot and that he did not deserve to be ejected. "I don't think he was trying to gain an advantage," Baker said. "He was just trying to see what was going on with his foot."

Padres' Response

The Padres were not surprised by Altuve's ejection. Manager Bob Melvin said that he had seen Altuve do the same thing before. Melvin said that he believes Altuve does it to get a better grip on the bat. "I've seen him do it a few times," Melvin said. "I think he does it to get a better feel for the bat. I don't think he's trying to cheat or anything like that."

Rule Interpretation

The rule that Altuve violated is Rule 6.01(a)(12), which states that "[a] batter is out for...removing his shoe or sock during a game unless it is done because of injury." The rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an advantage by removing their shoes or socks. For example, a player could remove his shoes or socks to get a better grip on the bat or to make it easier to steal a base. In Altuve's case, it is clear that he did not remove his sock and shoe to gain an advantage. He simply wanted to check on his foot. However, the rule does not make an exception for players who are checking on their feet. As a result, Altuve was ejected from the game.

Conclusion

Jose Altuve's ejection from Wednesday's game was a controversial one. The Astros were unhappy with the ejection, and the Padres were not surprised. The rule that Altuve violated is in place to prevent players from gaining an advantage by removing their shoes or socks. In Altuve's case, it is clear that he did not remove his sock and shoe to gain an advantage. However, the rule does not make an exception for players who are checking on their feet. As a result, Altuve was ejected from the game.