BOSTON -- Red Sox manager John Farrell was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the second inning of Boston's 5-4 loss to the Astros in Game 4 of the American League Division Series presented by Doosan on Monday at Fenway Park.
After Boston loaded the bases, home-plate umpire Mark Wegner rung up Dustin Pedroia on a called third strike on the inside corner from Houston starter Charlie Morton, drawing vehement protests from Pedroia. Farrell immediately ran onto the field to protect Pedroia and was tossed by Wegner. A visibly livid Pedroia continued to yell at Wegner, though he avoided an ejection and remained in the game.
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"I went out to get Pedey away from [home-plate umpire] Mark Wegner," said Farrell. "Obviously it was a key moment. Pedey obviously disagreed with the call that was made. I did not argue balls and strike and yet that was a little surprising when I was ejected at that point."
Farrell said it was a quick hook by Wegner.
"The reason he gave me is, 'I'm not going to have you stand here and yell at me,'" said Farrell. "I said I'm trying to get my player away from him. It was more important to me that Pedey remain in the game and the rest took care of itself."
The Red Sox ultimately were unable to capitalize on their bases-loaded scoring opportunity, as Xander Bogaerts then flew out to right field for the final out of the inning, keeping the Astros' 2-1 lead intact.
With Farrell out, Boston bench coach Gary DiSarcina stepped in to serve as the club's acting manager for the remainder of the game.

The last manager to be ejected in the postseason was then-Nationals skipper Matt Williams in Game 2 of the 2014 National League Division Series.