Jays hitting coach Martinez suspended five games for pre-game altercation with umpire

NEW YORK – Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Guillermo Martinez was suspended five games and fined an undisclosed amount after his heated argument with umpire Doug Eddings before a game Wednesday.

The altercation occurred during the lineup card exchange before Toronto’s game in Chicago against the White Sox to close a three-game series.

Martinez brought out the lineup card, a task usually performed by manager Charlie Montoyo, and shook hands with the umpires before getting in an animated argument with Eddings. Martinez was ejected from the game.

MLB said in a release Friday that Martinez was being sanctioned for unsportsmanlike conduct and making contact with Eddings.

Eddings, who was assigned to third base for Wednesday’s game, was behind the plate for Toronto’s 7-6 loss to Chicago on Tuesday.

The suspension began when Toronto opened a three-game series with the Brewers on Friday night in Milwaukee.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2022.