Olson experiences a first in game No. 1,222 -- an ejection

ATLANTA -- Matt Olson drew his first career ejection shortly after Braves skipper Brian Snitker earned what might have been the last of his managerial career.

The even-keeled Olson showed rare anger when plate umpire Brock Ballou ruled he interfered with catcher Henry Davis in the sixth inning of the Braves’ 3-1 loss to the Pirates on Saturday night at Truist Park. This contested ruling led Snitker to be ejected shortly after he came on the field to argue.

“I don't know why you're looking for trouble, quite honestly,” Snitker said. “Matt's one of the most respected guys in the game. To cause him to get thrown out like that is kind of unacceptable, really. They’ve got a hard job. I got so much respect for umpires, but they needed to just let the game play.”

When Olson’s popup near the Braves’ on-deck circle popped out of Davis’ glove, it initially looked like this would simply be an embarrassing moment for the Pirates’ catcher. But Ballou gained everyone’s attention when he ruled Olson out for interference.

“I went and saw the video and confirmed that I stood in place,” Olson said. “I don't know what the exact ruling is, but it feels like if there's a popup behind the plate, then the catcher can just run into the hitter every single time and get him out.”

MLB rule 6.03(a)(3) states a batter is out if he "interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

“If you watch the video, [Olson] took his swing and stood there and then kind of took a few steps, looking up at it,” crew chief Mark Wegner said. “He has to get out of the way of the catcher at that point.”

Davis stepped into Olson while the Braves' first baseman was still in the batter’s box, and then pursued the ball. Atlanta’s slugger held his place in the box, and his foot didn’t step outside the chalk before the Pirates’ catcher pushed him off balance.

“I don't know what he was supposed to have done,” Snitker said. “That was kind of bizarre.”

When asked if the batter has to get out of the way even if the catcher creates initial contact, Wegner said, “He’s got to be out of the catcher’s way.”

As Olson argued with Ballou, Snitker came on the field to get an explanation and protect Olson. The Bobby Cox disciple was tossed by Wegner. He then became more incensed as he made his way toward the plate to continue yelling at Ballou.

Told Wegner said Olson moved outside the box, Snitker quickly replied, “No, he didn’t.”

“He stood his ground right there; he didn’t move,” Snitker said. “I stand up for my players, and he stands up for his umpires.”

Olson was tossed by Ballou after he continued to voice his displeasure after returning to the dugout. The 31-year-old veteran’s first career ejection came in what was his 1,222th game.

“He told me to stop,” Olson said. “I was still chirping from the dugout once I watched the video. So, I mean, I probably had it coming a little bit. But I just didn't feel like it was the right call. I don't have a problem with him. We've had a few games out at first [base], the other behind the plate. I just kept asking, ‘What am I supposed to do?’ This is still a legitimate question that I have.”

There is a chance Sunday will be Snitker’s final game as a Major League manager. The 69-year-old baseball lifer has said he will take time over the next week to decide whether he wants to continue managing. The Braves haven’t said whether Snitker will be offered an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

But if there was any question about how much fire Snitker still has, it was visible as he let Ballou know what he thought of the call. He also expressed his displeasure of a pitch timer violation called against Jurickson Profar to end the eighth inning.

“Both of those situations didn’t need to happen in this game,” Snitker said. “It didn’t do anything good for this game, and it was a nice game."