Royals Manager Ejected Before First Pitch Against Yankees

Quatraro's 8th career ejection as Kansas City manager

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An abstract, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players, field, and umpires represented as fragmented, angular forms in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of the heated exchange between Royals manager Matt Quatraro and the umpires, capturing the tension and chaos of the moment.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by umpires before the first pitch of Saturday's game against the New York Yankees. The ejection occurred after a dispute with umpires Nestor Ceja and Chris Guccione following a close play at second base in the top of the first inning. Bench coach Paul Hoover took over as manager for the Royals, who entered the game on a 5-game losing streak.

Why it matters

Quatraro's ejection is the 8th of his career as Royals manager, highlighting the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires in Major League Baseball. The Royals have struggled early in the season, making Quatraro's dismissal an even more significant event as the team looks to turn things around.

The details

After Royals baserunner Maikel Garcia was nearly picked off at second base by Yankees pitcher Will Warren, manager Matt Quatraro raced out of the dugout to argue with umpires Nestor Ceja and Chris Guccione. The initial dispute did not appear heated, but when Quatraro turned to leave, he was immediately ejected by the umpires.

  • The ejection occurred before Royals starter Noah Cameron threw the first pitch of the game on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Matt Quatraro

The manager of the Kansas City Royals, who was ejected for the 8th time in his career.

Paul Hoover

The Royals' bench coach, who took over as manager after Quatraro's ejection.

Maikel Garcia

The Royals baserunner who was nearly picked off at second base, leading to the dispute between Quatraro and the umpires.

Will Warren

The New York Yankees pitcher who nearly picked off Maikel Garcia at second base.

Nestor Ceja

One of the umpires involved in the dispute with Quatraro.

Chris Guccione

The other umpire involved in the dispute with Quatraro.

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What’s next

The Royals will continue their series against the Yankees, with Paul Hoover serving as the interim manager in Quatraro's absence.

The takeaway

Quatraro's ejection highlights the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires in MLB, as well as the Royals' struggles to start the 2026 season. The team will need to find a way to regroup and turn things around, with Hoover taking over in the interim.