JP Crawford was ejected after a blown strike name in opposition to the Nationals. Statcast confirmed the pitch was exterior, and followers are calling for umpire accountability.
Why Was JP Crawford Ejected In opposition to the Nationals?
Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford was ejected within the sixth inning of Thursday’s recreation in opposition to the Washington Nationals after arguing a third-strike name that replays clearly confirmed was exterior the zone.
With the Mariners trailing 2-0 and runners on the corners, Crawford took a 1-2 pitch from Mackenzie Gore — a fastball low and off the plate.
Residence plate umpire Andy Fletcher referred to as it strike three. Crawford instantly turned and shouted, “That’s not a strike, man!” Fletcher didn’t hesitate — he tossed the Mariners’ shortstop from the sport.
Was JP Crawford Strike 3 Name Appropriate?
No — MLB’s Statcast backed Crawford. The pitch was clearly exterior, lacking the zone by a visual margin. It wasn’t borderline. It wasn’t shut. It was merely a nasty name.
And it wasn’t simply Crawford who thought so. Social media erupted, with followers and analysts pointing to the pitch tracker as proof. The missed name not solely ended a essential at-bat — it modified all the inning’s momentum.
What Did JP Crawford Say After Ejection?
Crawford’s speedy protest was loud however temporary. He didn’t curse or get in Fletcher’s face — he said his case and was ejected virtually immediately.
The response from Crawford was extra pissed off than livid, however as soon as he was thrown out, he stayed on the sector to ensure his voice was heard earlier than supervisor Dan Wilson escorted him off.
Crawford was changed within the lineup by Leo Rivas, whereas Dylan Moore slid over to shortstop.
Why Are MLB Umpires So Unhealthy This Yr?
Crawford’s ejection is simply the most recent in a string of high-profile umpiring controversies this season. Within the final week alone, a number of gamers have been ejected after disputing blatant missed calls. Followers are more and more calling for robotic umpires or automated strike zones, and Thursday’s blown name added gasoline to that fireplace.
One pissed off fan wrote, “JP has each proper to be upset. There’s no accountability for these guys.”
It’s so wild that umpires could be this dangerous at their jobs however nonetheless maintain the ability to make the gamers appear to be they’re within the flawed. JP has each proper to be upset. There’s no accountability for these guys.
— Zen Bias (@alexlenbias) Might 30, 2025
One other added, “Umps like these make baseball arduous to observe.”
umps like these make baseball arduous to observe https://t.co/JkMenSzvdu
— bretthew (@brettytweets) Might 30, 2025
Will MLB Use Robotic Umpires?
There’s momentum constructing. MLB has examined automated ball-strike methods (ABS) within the minor leagues, and whereas implementation within the majors hasn’t occurred but, incidents like this solely enhance stress.
Crawford’s ejection was an ideal instance of a name that might have been overturned or corrected immediately with the assistance of tech. As a substitute, the Mariners misplaced their beginning shortstop in a pivotal second over a mistake that might have been averted.
What Does This Imply for the Mariners?
The Mariners in the end misplaced the sport 9-3, and the sixth-inning meltdown — beginning with Crawford’s ejection — was a turning level.
After Crawford’s controversial strikeout, Julio Rodríguez struck out, Cal Raleigh was hit by a pitch, and Randy Arozarena struck out with the bases loaded. The workforce by no means recovered.
At 30 years outdated, Crawford is having a strong season, and his management on the high of the lineup is essential. Dropping him to an ejection, particularly one which felt unjustified, was a momentum killer.