The Atlanta Braves have endured their worst season in years. Since June, it's been nothing short of a disappointment—until the last two weeks, when the team sparked life with a double-digit win streak. But on Saturday night, tempers flared and fireworks erupted when both Brian Snitker and Matt Olson were ejected after a highly questionable call.
“Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Matt Olson were ejected from Saturday's game against Pittsburgh for arguing with umpires about a batter's interference call. Olson was tossed for the first time in 1,222 career games,” ESPN wrote.
The interference call came after what appeared to be minimal contact—barely enough to justify an ejection. Adding to the drama, it turns out this wasn't the first time this specific umpire had an issue with Snitker.
“This is the third time that Brian Snitker has been ejected this season ... and second time that it's been by Mark Wegner,” 680 The Fan’s Barrett Sallee wrote.
Following the ejections, The Athletic’s David O’Brien didn’t hold back, accusing umpire Mark Wegner of trying to cover his tracks after a blown call.
“Olson said he didn't move, that he kept ‘chirping’ from dugout because he watched video and saw he indeed did not move. Olson was right. Wegner's covering his ass saying Olson moved, because it was just a bad call,” he posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Even Braves legend Chipper Jones weighed in, taking a not-so-subtle shot at the umpire's credibility.
“So an umpire lied to cover his rear??? Nooooooooo…..say it ain’t so,” Jones wrote.
The interference call and ejections were as controversial as it gets. For Olson, it was the first ejection of his entire career, which only fueled speculation that something deeper was going on. It looked like a case of an umpire doubling down on a mistake rather than admitting fault.
Chipper Jones had every reason to speak up—his connection to the team runs deep, and like many Braves fans, he saw the moment as one that crossed the line.
As the Braves close out their season on Sunday, all eyes will be on whether this marks the end of an era. With growing speculation, it could be Brian Snitker’s final game as manager.