Twins Manager Ejected After Heated Umpire Exchange

Derek Shelton's hot mic moment captured frustration over check swing call in loss to Reds

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the fragmented perspectives and emotions of the confrontation between the manager and umpire.A heated exchange between a manager and umpire exposes the ongoing tensions in baseball over the balance of human judgment and new technologies.Cincinnati Today

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected from Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds after a heated exchange with umpire Nic Lentz over a check swing call. Shelton's frustration was caught on a hot mic before he was tossed, with the umpire telling him 'I wasn't going to hear it anymore' prior to the ejection.

Why it matters

Tensions between managers and umpires have been a recurring issue in Major League Baseball, with the introduction of new technologies like the Automated Balls and Strikes system adding another layer of controversy. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing the human element of umpiring with the desire for more objective and consistent strike zone calls.

The details

In the seventh inning, with the Twins leading 4-2, first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled that Reds star Elly De La Cruz did not swing on a pitch. Shelton's frustration could be heard from the dugout, and shortly after, home plate umpire Nic Lentz ejected him. The broadcast captured Lentz telling Shelton 'I wasn't going to hear it anymore', prompting Shelton to charge at him and repeatedly deny making any comments directed at the umpire.

  • The incident occurred in the seventh inning of Saturday's game between the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds.
  • Shelton was previously ejected last month, becoming the first manager to be ejected over the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who was ejected from Saturday's game against the Reds after a heated exchange with umpire Nic Lentz.

Elly De La Cruz

A star player for the Cincinnati Reds, whose check swing call in the seventh inning sparked the confrontation between Shelton and the umpires.

Hunter Wendelstedt

The first base umpire who made the initial check swing call that Shelton disagreed with.

Nic Lentz

The home plate umpire who ejected Shelton after the heated exchange.

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What they’re saying

“I had my head down when I made the comment I made. He evidently thought I was making the comment at him, but I had my head down and I was not looking at any umpire after I made it.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

“I wasn't going to hear it anymore.”

— Nic Lentz, Home Plate Umpire

What’s next

The Twins and Reds will continue their series on Sunday, with both teams looking to bounce back from Saturday's heated matchup.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires in MLB, particularly with the introduction of new technologies like the Automated Balls and Strikes system. While the goal is to improve consistency, it has also led to more confrontations, underscoring the need for better communication and a balanced approach between the human and technological elements of umpiring.