Twins Manager Derek Shelton Ejected After Heated Argument with Umpires

Hot mics capture Shelton's profanity-laced rant after being tossed for second time this season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:53pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, swirling brushstrokes in neon shades of red, orange, and blue, capturing the raw emotion and intensity of a baseball manager arguing with an umpire.The heated exchange between Twins manager Derek Shelton and umpires reflects the passion and intensity of baseball's ongoing battles between dugouts and officials.Minneapolis Today

In the top of the seventh inning of Saturday's game against the Reds, Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected by home plate umpire Nic Lentz following a heated argument over a checked swing call. Hot mics on the Twins.TV broadcast captured Shelton's profanity-laced rant, in which he repeatedly told Lentz he wasn't even talking to him. This was Shelton's second ejection of the 2026 season, and the 18th of his career as a manager.

Why it matters

Shelton's ejections highlight the ongoing tension between managers and umpires in Major League Baseball, as well as the challenges of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The incident also shines a light on the Twins' bullpen struggles, which have contributed to the team's 11-10 start to the season.

The details

The incident occurred in the top of the seventh inning, with the Twins leading the Reds 4-3. After Twins reliever Kody Funderburk hit a batter, Shelton began arguing with first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt over a checked swing call on the next batter, Elly De La Cruz. Shelton continued to voice his displeasure, and was then ejected by Lentz. Shelton could be clearly heard on the broadcast telling Lentz, "I wasn't even f***ing talking to you" and "I didn't say anything to you. All I said was 'let's f***ing go.' That's bulls***.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the seventh inning of Saturday's game against the Reds.
  • Shelton was ejected for the second time this season, with his first ejection coming on March 29 in Baltimore.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who was ejected from Saturday's game against the Reds for the second time this season.

Nic Lentz

The home plate umpire who ejected Shelton from Saturday's game.

Hunter Wendelstedt

The first base umpire whose checked swing call on Elly De La Cruz sparked Shelton's argument and eventual ejection.

Elly De La Cruz

The Reds batter whose checked swing call led to Shelton's ejection.

Kody Funderburk

The Twins reliever who hit a batter, leading to Shelton's argument with the umpires.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't even f***ing talking to you. I didn't say anything to you. All I said was 'let's f***ing go.' That's bulls***.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

Shelton will likely face a fine or suspension from MLB for his outburst, which included multiple instances of profanity. The Twins will look to avoid a sweep in the series finale against the Reds on Sunday.

The takeaway

Shelton's ejection highlights the ongoing tension between managers and umpires in MLB, as well as the challenges of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The Twins' bullpen struggles have also contributed to the team's uneven start to the season, and Shelton's ejection is another setback as they try to turn things around.