Vogt ejected for just second time as manager after check-swing call
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CLEVELAND -- Angel Genao’s four-hit game in his Major League debut wasn’t the only rare occurrence that unfolded at Progressive Field on Wednesday. The Guardians’ 6-5 loss to the Mets also featured manager Stephen Vogt getting ejected.
If you can’t recall that happening too often, it’s because before Wednesday, it had been a one-off. Vogt got tossed for just the second time as a big league skipper when third-base umpire Chad Fairchild tossed him in the sixth inning.
In fact, Vogt was never ejected during his playing career, which makes sense given he was a catcher. His job required working proximate to an umpire. That track record and his even-keeled nature should tell you enough about what he and the Guardians’ dugout felt Wednesday.
The Guardians trailed 4-3 and had the bases loaded with one out when Chase DeLauter stepped to the plate. Cleveland was languishing through an eventual 4-for-19 night with runners in scoring position, and DeLauter was locked in a battle with lefty Jefry Yan.
Yan threw a 1-2 slider low and inside, in the dirt. DeLauter checked his swing and did not appear to go around. Home-plate umpire Chad Whitson appealed to Fairchild, who called DeLauter out on strikes.
Vogt and the Guardians’ dugout immediately let their feelings be known toward Fairchild. Vogt took one step out onto the field. Fairchild immediately threw him out of the game. Vogt acknowledged he was surprised by the quick hook.
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“A little bit, but you can't leave the dugout, and I took a step out of the dugout,” Vogt said. “It was just a big moment. He didn't swing, and it happens with Chase. His body goes, but his bat doesn't. It happens.”
DeLauter stood still in the batter’s box for several moments after Fairchild made his call, with his jaw agape.
“He thought I went around,” DeLauter said. “I feel like I'm one that, even on my takes, I kind of swing with my body and just kind of leave the bat behind me. I haven't looked at the video a whole lot. I don't know if I did or didn't [swing]. Every hitter doesn't really think they do. But the umpire saw otherwise.
“I just appreciate [Vogt] having my back out there."
Vogt’s only other ejection as the Guardians’ manager came on Aug. 9, 2024, for arguing a balk call during a game against the Twins.