Braves LHP Chris Sale ejected before first pitch

Field Level Media|published: Sun 9th August, 14:52 2026

Aug 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was ejected before the start of Sunday's game against the New York Yankees, one day after he was called for a balk that led to the ejection of Braves manager Walt Weiss.

Umpires were taking the field for Sunday's game at New York and walking in front of the Braves' dugout when Sale was ejected by Dan Merzel while never stepping on the field. Merzel was the home-plate umpire who called the balk against Sale on Saturday.

After he was tossed, Sale had a discussion with Sunday's home-plate umpire Dan Bellino.

Sale's balk allowed the Yankees' Spencer Jones to score the go-ahead run and the Yankees finished off a 5-4 victory Saturday. It was just the third balk of Sale's 16-year career.

Sale argued Merzel's call before turning the discussion over to Weiss, who was ejected.

--Field Level Media

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