Chris Sale ejected before Braves-Yankees game

Chris Sale never threw a pitch Sunday at Yankee Stadium because Major League Baseball ejected him before the Braves-Yankees game began. The veteran left-hander was removed by crew chief Dan Merzel hours before first pitch after Sale aggressively contested Saturday’s balk call that became the latest flashpoint in a long-running dispute between the pitcher and umpires.

The ejection caps a weekend where Sale walked off the mound Saturday furious over a balk ruling that cost the Braves the lead in the eighth inning. Replays showed Sale’s foot slightly dragging the rubber before delivering a 1-0 pitch to Aaron Judge, but home plate umpire Merzel called it a balk—moving Judge to second and eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly. Sale argued for 15 minutes, slamming his glove and demanding the call be reversed. MLB officials reviewed it under the new automated system, upheld it, and then hit Sale with a warning for excessive arguing. League rules allow ejection for repeated or flagrant rule violations.

The incident adds to Sale’s history with umpires. He was suspended in 2020 for intentionally throwing at a batter and has repeatedly clashed over pitch delivery interpretations. The Braves now face a lineup decision: they can appeal the ejection and risk further suspension, or move on without their All-Star starter. Manager Brian Snitker called the situation “frustrating” and said the team is reviewing options.

What happens next could set a tone for how MLB enforces balk rules this season. Automated ball-strike technology doesn’t cover balk detection, so umpires remain the final arbiters—often sparking controversy. Sale’s absence shifts the pitching burden to Spencer Strider or another starter, while the Yankees gain an unexpected advantage before a crucial series. The league may clarify balk enforcement to prevent repeat showdowns. For now, the game never started—and the debate did.