Dbacks' Lovullo is first manager ejected in COVID-19 era
SAN DIEGO - A masked Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks became the first manager to be ejected in the COVID-19 era when he was tossed Sunday while arguing with unmasked plate umpire Mark Ripperger in the fifth inning at San Diego.
Kevin Cron was hit on the left elbow by a pitch from Garrett Richards, but Ripperger didn’t award him first base, apparently believing he either leaned into it or didn’t try to get out of the way.
Lovullo came out to argue, and at first seemed to keep a safe distance from Ripperger. The umpire took off his protective facemask but was not wearing a cloth facemask. He ejected Lovullo and then turned his back on him. Lovullo followed for a few steps but then headed to the dugout.
Cron ended up striking out with his team trailing 1-0.
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton also got into an argument Sunday, but was not ejected. Shelton had a spirited discussion with plate umpire Jordan Baker in the third inning after pitcher Derek Holland was ejected from the dugout for arguing balls and strikes.
Shelton pulled a gaiter over his face as he left the dugout, and Baker pulled a face mask out of his pocket and held it to his face as Shelton argued from about six feet away.