Houston Astros 2B Jose Altuve ejected for second time in career

NEW YORK — Houston Astros star Jose Altuve was ejected for the second time in his major league career after throwing his helmet and bat when umpires called him on what appeared to be a foul ball.

Houston had a 4-2 lead and runners on second and third with two outs in the seventh inning against the New York Mets on Sunday when Altuve appeared to foul off a fly ball off his left foot. The ball took three hops to third baseman Mark Vientos, who threw to first as Altuve remained in the batter’s box.

James Jean, umpiring behind the plate for the first time after making his major league debut Friday, did not signal a foul ball.

Altuve argued and manager Joe Espada came on the field. The four umpires went into a conference call — that type of call is not subject to video review — and crew chief Alan Porter signaled the call.

Altuve then slammed his helmet and bat and was ejected.

His other ejection occurred on August 6, 2016, when he was ejected in the seventh inning of a 3–2 loss to Texas for arguing after a third strike called by Porter.

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