Joe Maddon lost his cool and got tossed after a check swing call didn’t go his way. The Angels manager was fired up after a borderline pitch wasn’t called a strike, then got even more irritated when the next check swing was ruled no swing. Maddon came out of the dugout barking at home plate ump Lance Barrett, demanding the call. He argued, pointed, and slammed the air with his finger for emphasis. Barrett had enough and ejected him. That only escalated things. Maddon kept jawing as he walked off, sunglasses on, blonde hair creeping out of the back of his hat.
The Angels haven’t been good. Despite having talent like Dylan Bundy, who pitched well again, the team can’t put wins together. Frustration is boiling over on the field and in the dugout. Maddon’s ejection felt like a breaking point, the kind of outburst that happens when a season isn’t going anywhere. His look might scream California chill, but his actions showed how tense things are in Anaheim.