Umpire hijinks have long plagued baseball fans. Usually one of the most respected professions, fans have been irked by some decisions lately. And the recent Chicago White Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals game had some tearing their hair out.
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Both teams have been underperforming this year, but fans have been especially crestfallen at the White Sox’s performance in recent years. The first month of the 2023 season saw them end with a 10-game losing streak, and they have been unable to pull themselves up since then. And a recent viral video of a moment from the game didn’t help.
The White Sox’ designated hitter Eloy Jimenez strikes out in bizarre fashion
Eloy Jimenez had a strange experience at the game yesterday. Facing Cardinals lefty Steven Matz, Jimenez tried to request a time-out to adjust his position. But the umpire ignored his call, and Matz threw the ball, anyway. The batter had fouled off a couple of pitches and didn’t want to face the third one yet.
Starting to think the White Sox have quit this season pic.twitter.com/zEWdqmOoCH
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) July 9, 2023
So he walked out of the batter’s box and continued toward the dugout as the umpire refused his call, calling it strike three. Jimenez had some words to say to the ump later, but the call was not overturned. As MLB heads for the All-Star break, the White Sox are 38-54 with the latest 4-3 loss to St. Louis.
READ MORE – Chicago White Sox Plummet to New Low as Once-Promising Season Crumbles
The outfielder has not been having the best season, as he started it with a stint on the injury list, and his team has been floundering as well. Some disgruntled fans stood by Jimenez’s side over the incident, while some sided with the Cardinals.
Chicago White Sox fans are angry at the ump
While it appeared that the batter had tried to call time, the ump seemingly didn’t grant it. Some fans criticized the ruling as another bad umpire call in a series of disappointments.
Looks like he bailed, no time called, no quick pitch he just bailed
— Jack Michaels (@JackMic11633310) July 9, 2023
That’s on the ump. The pitcher can’t come set until the batter is engaged and looking at him. Matz was already set before Jimenez looked up.
— Player to be named later (@pnaught13) July 10, 2023
Batters get one timeout per at bat. It should be granted when asked
— NOAH (@NOAHWASHEDUP) July 10, 2023
One couldn’t help but mock the fact that Jimenez keeps facing the IL.
Well at least he didn’t hurt himself walking away
— Bill Riebe (@billymilner1962) July 9, 2023
Others defended the decision, calling out Jimenez for making the call a little too late. While some have criticized Matz for getting into motion before the batter was ready, others are of the point of view that Jimenez should have asked for a time-out earlier.
He didn’t put his hand up. That’s why it wasn’t granted to him.
— Christian 🤙🏽📸😎🐻⚾️🎳 (@BigGrizzChris) July 9, 2023
He started his pitch you can’t ask for time out. This Sox team hasn’t played as a team all year
— Mike Hill (@MikeHil38865868) July 9, 2023
So Out of context, he was trying to ask for timeout and was denied and stepped out cause he wasn't expecting the pitch even tho he knew he didn't get to call
— Miguel Tosado (@MiguelTosado) July 9, 2023
Whether Jimenez or the umpire was in the wrong, what’s done is done. While the first half of the season has gone terribly for Chicago, let’s see if the team pulls itself out of this funk in the second half.
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Written by
Edited by
Deepanshi Bajaj