Twins Manager's Profane Ejection Rant Caught on Hot Mic

Shelton's outburst during loss to Reds sparks debate over umpire conduct

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with players, umpires, and the field rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the heated emotions and disputes that can occur on the diamond.A heated argument between a manager and umpire exposes the raw emotions and tensions that can arise during a close baseball game.Cincinnati Today

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected from Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds after a heated argument with an umpire over a checked swing call. The incident was caught on a live microphone, revealing Shelton's use of profanity in his rant against the umpire's decision.

Why it matters

Managers' interactions with umpires are closely watched, as they can provide insight into the tensions and emotions that arise during high-stakes baseball games. This incident reignites discussions around umpire accountability and the appropriate ways for managers to voice their disagreements.

The details

In the bottom of the 9th inning, with the Twins trailing the Reds 5-4, Reds star shortstop Elly de la Cruz checked his swing on a pitch. The umpire ruled it a hit, allowing de la Cruz to reach base. Shelton immediately came out of the dugout to argue the call, leading to his ejection from the game.

  • The incident occurred during the bottom of the 9th inning on April 20, 2026.
  • Shelton was ejected from the game following the disputed checked swing call.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, known for his passionate defense of his players.

Elly de la Cruz

The star shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, whose checked swing call sparked the argument.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to get too carried away, but I love our competitiveness and the will to keep playing,”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

The Twins organization is expected to review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted for Shelton's outburst.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between managers and umpires in baseball, and the need for improved communication and accountability on both sides to maintain the integrity of the game.