Giants Manager Tony Vitello Ejected for First Time in MLB Career

Vitello got into an expletive-filled rant with the first base umpire after a controversial out call on the basepaths.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:21am by Ben Kaplan

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In Sunday's game against the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello was ejected for the first time in his MLB career after getting into a heated argument with first base umpire Nestor Ceja over a controversial out call on Giants player Jerar Encarnacion. Vitello confronted Ceja on the field, delivering an expletive-filled rant before being ejected for the remainder of the game.

Why it matters

Vitello's ejection highlights the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires over close calls on the field, which can often lead to emotional outbursts and disciplinary actions. As a first-year MLB manager, this incident could set the tone for how Vitello interacts with umpires going forward.

The details

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Encarnacion reached first base on an error, but umpire Ceja called him out for failing to stay inside the runner's lane - a controversial call since Encarnacion did not interfere with the throw. Vitello immediately confronted Ceja, getting in his face and unleashing an expletive-laden rant before being ejected from the game.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Vitello's previous ejection was on May 4, 2025 while he was coaching at the University of Tennessee.

The players

Tony Vitello

The first-year manager of the San Francisco Giants, who was ejected from the game for the first time in his MLB career.

Nestor Ceja

The first base umpire who made the controversial out call on Giants player Jerar Encarnacion, leading to Vitello's heated confrontation and ejection.

Jerar Encarnacion

The Giants player who was called out at first base despite reaching on an error, sparking the argument between Vitello and the umpire.

Mark Vientos

The New York Mets first baseman who dropped the throw from the pitcher, allowing Encarnacion to reach base.

Huascar Brazobán

The New York Mets pitcher who made the throw to first base that led to the controversial out call.

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What they’re saying

“'Jerar was on the grass,' Vitello told reporters postgame. 'You're not going to be automatically out for being on the grass only if the (umpire) sees that the runner impedes the throw. The throw didn't hit the runner.'”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

“'I said one last thing, just out of frustration or being all fired up. That was complete nonsense,' Vitello said. 'I think it was misinterpreted a little bit. When you're on the field that long, and you're not a player, you're probably out of place a little bit.'”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

What’s next

The Giants organization is expected to review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action will be taken against Vitello for his outburst. The umpiring crew may also face scrutiny from MLB officials over the controversial call.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires in baseball, as well as the high emotions that can arise from close calls on the field. As a first-year MLB manager, Vitello's handling of this situation could set the tone for how he interacts with umpires going forward and impact his relationship with the team.