Tensions flared in a Reds-Cardinals game when pitcher Miles Mikolas took issue with Freddie Galvis crossing over the mound on his way back to the dugout. The Reds were up, which already had some Cardinals players agitated. After a routine pop fly, Galvis casually jogged back to the dugout and stepped over the mound. Mikolas shouted at him for what he saw as a breach of baseball etiquette. Galvis looked confused, unsure why he was being singled out. Things escalated fast as benches and bullpens started to clear.
Galvis didn’t back down. After taking a step back to collect himself, he fired back with his own words. From his body language and interactions with teammates, it was clear he didn’t understand why stepping on the mound was such a big deal. Mikolas, known for being a bit intense, stood by his reaction. Umpires quickly stepped in, telling players to calm down and go back to their positions. The whole thing felt like one of those unwritten rules moments that no one agrees on, especially not Galvis.