Andrus thrown for a loop by ejection

MINNEAPOLIS -- Shortstop Elvis Andrus said he was surprised at being ejected by home-plate umpire Pat Hoberg on Wednesday night. Andrus was ejected after an at-bat with one out in the sixth inning. Andrus thought a 3-1 pitch was ball four, but Hoberg called it a strike. Andrus ended up grounding out to shortstop.

As he ran back to the third-base dugout, Andrus said something without looking at Hoberg. That's when the umpire ejected him. It's the second time this season Andrus has been ejected from a game.

"I told him something and he told me it was inappropriate and he threw me out," Andrus said. "I don't think I did something bad to be thrown out. It got me a little bit by surprise. They usually warn you and if you keep going, they throw you out.

"I didn't say anything about him. It was more about the pitch. I did it with respect. I put my head down and told him what I thought. I need to worry about getting on base and not talk too much. But I hate it when people get me out."

Andrus was out of the lineup on Thursday. It was his first day off this season. As of Thursday, Andrus was one of 15 players who had started every game for his team this season. He had started 77 straight games overall.