Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve Ejected for Taking Off Shoe and Sock

On September 18, during a thrilling extra-innings matchup, Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve found himself at the center of an unusual incident that resulted in his ejection. In a critical moment of the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Altuve tried to persuade the umpire that a foul ball had hit his foot.

The event occurred in the top of the ninth inning, as the game was tied at 3-3. Altuve approached the plate to face Padres pitcher Robert Suarez. The excitement built as Suarez began his delivery with a blistering 99.5 mph sinker that the umpire called a ball. Altuve then swung and missed the following pitch before facing another high delivery—this one registering at 100.3 mph.

In what appeared to be a pivotal moment, Altuve made contact with the ball, seemingly bouncing it off his left foot, which would typically result in a foul ball. However, home plate umpire Brennan Miller ruled the ball fair. Padres third baseman Manny Machado quickly fielded the ball and threw it to first baseman Donovan Solano, retiring Altuve and ending the inning.

In a display of frustration, Altuve promptly removed his left sock and cleat, walking towards the mound to argue his case with umpire Miller, who was discussing the situation with Astros manager Joe Espada at that time. Without hesitation, Miller ejected Altuve from the game, sparking a heated dialogue about the call.

“I got a foul ball because it hit my foot, and they just took it away from me,” Altuve expressed to reporters after the game. He added, “I don’t think that can happen. There were four umpires on the field. You’ve got to see the change of direction on the ball and just make the right call.”

Espada echoed Altuve’s sentiments, stating, “It’s a foul ball. You have to see the ball once it hits the foot, the flight of the ball, and what the ball does. I don’t understand. I’ve got a lot of respect for the umpires. They work hard. There are four out there. For me, you have to be able to see it. They missed that play.”

After Altuve’s exit, Grae Kissinger stepped in to replace him for the remainder of the game. Kissinger played a crucial role in helping the Astros secure a 4-3 victory. In the top of the 10th inning, he scored the winning run following a single from Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker.

Defensively, Kissinger made a highlight-reel play that ended the game. With Machado at the plate and the bases loaded, he executed a diving stop on Machado’s final pitch, a 1-2 fastball that was headed through the middle of the field. Kissinger’s quick reflexes allowed him to glove the ball and toss it to shortstop Jeremy Pena, who tagged second base for the final out.

In terms of gameplay, Altuve finished the night with a 1-for-5 performance, including two strikeouts. Tucker and third baseman Alex Bregman contributed significantly, each recording two hits. Starting pitcher Hunter Brown took the mound for Houston, allowing five hits and two runs over six innings, though he did not receive a decision.

The Padres’ starter, Michael King, had a similar outing, giving up five hits and two runs across seven innings without a decision as well. Machado stood out for the Padres with a stellar performance, going 2 for 5, including a home run and two RBIs. Another key contributor for San Diego was shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who also finished 2 for 5 and scored two runs.

As the series continued, the Padres (86-66) are set to host the Astros (82-69) for the finale, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT on Wednesday in San Diego.