Jays hitting coach Martinez suspended five games for pre-game altercation with umpire

Jun 24, 2022 | 12:29 PM

NEW YORK — Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Guillermo Martinez five games and fined him an undisclosed amount after his heated argument with umpire Doug Eddings before a game Wednesday.

The altercation occurred during the lineup card exchange before Toronto’s game in Chicago against the White Sox to close a three-game series.

Martinez brought out the lineup card, a task usually performed by manager Charlie Montoyo, and shook hands with the umpires before getting in an animated argument with Eddings. Martinez was ejected from the game.

MLB said in a release Friday that Martinez was being sanctioned for unsportsmanlike conduct and making contact with Eddings.