Pirates Manager Don Kelly Reacts to Ejection Against Padres
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly once again stood up for his players during a tough loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
In the top of the eighth inning, the Pirates had loaded the bases, with Andrew McCutchen hitting a two-out double, and Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz drawing walks. With the Pirates trailing 3-2, catcher Henry Davis came to the plate, needing to get on base to either tie the game or give them the lead.
Davis worked a full count, and on the seventh pitch from Padres pitcher Robert Suarez, a low pitch that many, including Davis, thought would result in a walk to load the bases and tie the game. However, home plate umpire Edwin Jimenez called it a strike, leaving the Pirates without a run.
Davis, visibly shocked, was followed by Kelly, who immediately ran out to confront Jimenez, questioning the call. Kelly’s outburst led to his ejection from the game.
Ball four would have scored the tying run… instead it's a K 🧐
DK gets ejected sticking up for his guys 😤 pic.twitter.com/tiLHoC29jW
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) May 31, 2025
The Pirates ultimately lost 3-2, and players like McCutchen and starting pitcher Mitch Keller voiced their displeasure with the umpire crew’s decisions.
Kelly, however, praised his players’ effort, particularly against top relievers Suarez and Jeremiah Estrada. He acknowledged the tough nature of the game and expressed his frustration with the call.
“Honestly, the way our guys battled against two of the best relievers in the game, to come back in that situation and load the bases… Henry grinds out an at-bat. I obviously didn’t agree with the call,” Kelly said. “It’s just unfortunate that after battling so hard, all our guys, especially in that inning against two of the best relievers, we didn’t get rewarded.”
DK was asked if any umpire tried to defend the called strike during his confrontation.
"No. Nothing." pic.twitter.com/Hr3aAzJBc4
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) May 31, 2025
This was Kelly’s third ejection since taking over as manager on May 8 after the front office parted ways with Derek Shelton. His first ejection came on May 10 in his second game as manager against the Atlanta Braves, followed by another on May 16 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kelly mentioned that Jimenez didn’t offer an explanation during his time on the field and that the Pirates need to earn more respect from the umpires moving forward.
He also emphasized the importance of his team’s fight in the game and its significance as the season progresses.
“As a team, we’ve just got to go out and earn it. We have to earn that respect, play with a chip on our shoulder, and find a way to overcome situations like that,” Kelly said. “It was an unfortunate call in a big moment, but it happened in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, and again tonight. I’m proud of how our guys competed against those two pitchers. We’re right there with these teams. We’ve got guys on base, and we’ve had big hits before—especially in Arizona. We just have to keep grinding and earn that respect.”
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