Springer to apologize to umps for tirade

CHICAGO -- Astros outfielder George Springer said he planned to apologize to the umpiring crew that's working the series at U.S. Cellular Field this week after he threw his helmet and yelled at the home-plate umpire following Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the White Sox.

While batting in the ninth inning with one man on base and two outs, Springer showed his displeasure at a couple of pitches that were called strikes. When he flied out to end the game, he slammed his helmet to the ground and yelled at home-plate umpire Larry Vanover, who had his back turned to Springer as he exited the field. Springer later threw his helmet in the dugout.

"I owe him an apology," he said. "I owe the whole crew an apology for how I acted. That's not who I am. It's one of those emotional games. It was an emotional situation, and I didn't do the job I can do. I was upset we lost and I didn't get to first base."

Springer, in his second year in the big leagues, has never shown that kind of emotion on the field before. He's usually helping teammates celebrate in the dugout after they've done something well.

"I have to do a better job controlling my emotions," he said. "It's an emotional game and at that point in time I was trying to get to first base. I can't really be that upset with anybody but myself. I need to slow down at that point in time. I was upset that we lost and how we lost, so, like I said, I need to do a better job of controlling my emotions."

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said after the game Tuesday that Springer represents the vibe the team has, that every out counts.

"Everybody on this team cares," Springer said. "We've been struggling somewhat, but I just think for me it shows the guys on his team we care. Every game counts, and for me it's about the team… I want to help and I care for this team. They're like my brothers out there. It's tough, but I have to control my emotions a lot better."