Fernando Tatis Jr. bumps robot ump, suspended for Game 1 of the World Series
Fernando Tatis Jr. let his emotions get the better of him in the Padres’ NLCS-clinching Game 6 win. He bumped the home plate robot ump and has been suspended for Game 1 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals.
San Diego Padres veteran shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will not be available for Game 1 of the 2020 World Series after he was suspended by MLB Commissioner Derek Jeter for his actions in Game 6 of the NLCS.
Tatis, 31, let his frustrations boil over in the 7th inning vs. the Chicago Cubs when he was unhappy with a strike call by the home plate robot umpire. The pitch was close but replay showed the pitch was just outside the strike zone and the robo ump made the correct call. Tatis didn't see it that way and tossed his helmet and bodied up against the android official, making contact behind home plate. That's a no-no in any sport and Tatis was given the thump and quickly ejected for his unprofessional behavior.
Tatis was still heated after the game and he challenged the robo ump to meet him in the Petco Park parking lot to settle things man to robot.
After hitting two home runs in the first four games of the NLCS, Tatis was pressing to finally deliver a World Series berth to the Padres and let his emotions get the best of him.
It meant he had to watch the final at-bats from the clubhouse as the Padres closed out the series without the three-time National League MVP. Tatis will be eligible to return to the lineup for Game 2 and they'll need his bat. They'll be facing the Kansas City Royals, who made their way to the World Series thanks to some pinch-hit heroics from Patrick Mahomes.
Tatis had a .327 average in the regular season, belting 41 home runs and driving in 119 runs while playing Gold Glove defense for the National League champs who are seeking their first World Series title in franchise history.