Watch: Sanchez becomes 2nd Nats pitcher removed from stands
Warning: Video contains coarse language
Right-hander Anibal Sanchez became the second Washington Nationals pitcher in four days to be removed from the stands when he was instructed to leave Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Nationals hitting coach Kevin Long was also thrown out in the bottom of the second for apparently arguing balls and strikes.
Yes, we can hear you loud and clear. 😀 pic.twitter.com/zmvrZ8v1Wm
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 16, 2020
It appeared both Long and Sanchez were ejected for voicing their displeasure with the strike zone. However, Washington manager Dave Martinez clarified postgame that Sanchez wasn't officially tossed but that umpire Angel Hernandez instructed him to leave, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com.
Martinez also wasn't happy with home plate umpire Will Little's strike zone prior to Sanchez's removal and Long's ejection.
After Will Little called pitch 5 to Soto a strike, Davey Martinez burst out of the dugout and yelled: "Pay attention to the game!" Little then called pitch 6 a strike to end the inning. And now as the next inning begins, Kevin Long is ejected barking a very audible phrase at him. pic.twitter.com/0zFrKQapoz
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 16, 2020
Meanwhile, Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg was tossed from Thursday's game for arguing balls and strikes while sitting in the stands.