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Chris Sale became the center of a heated controversy Saturday after Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss was ejected while arguing a balk call that changed the momentum of the team’s 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees.
The disputed ruling came in the fifth inning at a critical point in the game. Sale had just allowed a tying RBI triple to Yankees rookie Spencer Jones. As the left-hander began delivering the first pitch to Austin Wells, plate umpire Dan Merzel called a balk, citing a slight hitch in Sale’s right leg.
Chris Sale Balk Call Creates Explosive Braves-Yankees Dispute
Weiss immediately challenged the decision. The Braves manager said Sale had already declared to the previous hitter that he would pitch from the windup, making the ruling especially difficult for Atlanta to understand.
“He said he did not declare after that. He’s never done that in his career so it’s a terrible call,” Weiss said after the game, according to the Associated Press. “I always try to show the umpires respect, and they know that, but you can’t make that call right there.”
Sale initially approached Merzel to question the call. Weiss then rushed from the dugout and took over the argument, appearing determined to keep his starting pitcher from being ejected. He removed his cap while forcefully debating the decision before Merzel tossed him from the game.
Critical Rule Explanation From MLB Crew Chief
The umpiring crew defended the decision after the game. Crew chief Dan Bellino told reporters that Sale failed to declare he would pitch from the windup before facing the second batter following the runner reaching third base.
Bellino explained that Sale is considered a hybrid pitcher because his positioning does not always make it obvious whether he will deliver from the stretch or the traditional windup. That distinction means he is required to make his intention clear.
“Hybrid pitchers are held to a different standard because you can’t tell what they are based on their foot placement at the start,” Bellino said. “It needs to be very clear. It’s not something that we can assume.”
According to Bellino, pitchers who use the traditional windup exclusively are not required to make the same declaration. The explanation did little to ease Atlanta’s frustration, particularly because the call arrived during a tense inning with the game tied.
How the Balk Changed Chris Sale’s Outing
Following the balk, Sale allowed Wells to hit a double and then walked veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The left-hander eventually escaped the inning, but the Yankees had created significant pressure after the controversial call.
Sale completed six innings, giving up three runs and five hits. The outing ended a strong personal stretch for the veteran, who suffered his first loss since June 28. He entered the game with the task of handling a dangerous Yankees lineup, but the fifth-inning sequence proved costly.
Despite the controversy, Sale declined to offer an extended public criticism of the umpiring decision. “I’m just going to leave it to them,” he said, referring to Merzel and Weiss.
Braves Face Questions After Narrow Loss
Atlanta’s defeat was particularly frustrating because the game remained close throughout. The Braves were unable to recover after New York capitalized on the extended fifth inning, while the Yankees took advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
The incident also highlights the complexity of modern pitching rules. A balk call can be difficult for fans to recognize in real time, especially when it involves a subtle movement rather than an obvious failure to come set. For hybrid pitchers such as Sale, the requirement to clearly announce the planned delivery adds another layer of pressure.
- Chris Sale was charged with his third career balk.
- The call came in the fifth inning against Austin Wells.
- Spencer Jones had just tied the game with an RBI triple.
- Walt Weiss was ejected after arguing with Dan Merzel.
- Sale allowed three runs and five hits across six innings.
For the Braves, the priority will now be moving past the controversial moment and preparing for the next game. For Sale, the loss was disappointing, but his ability to work six innings kept Atlanta competitive against a powerful New York club.
The argument is likely to remain a talking point because it involved a rare and highly specific rule. Atlanta believed the declaration had effectively been made, while the umpiring crew maintained that Sale needed to make his intention explicit before the second batter. That disagreement turned a routine pitch into the defining moment of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chris Sale called for a balk?
Dan Merzel ruled that Sale failed to clearly declare he would pitch from the windup while a runner was on third base. The umpiring crew said hybrid pitchers must make that intention explicit.
What happened to Walt Weiss?
Walt Weiss was ejected after rushing from the Braves dugout and arguing strongly with Merzel over the balk decision.
How did Chris Sale perform?
Sale pitched six innings and allowed three runs on five hits. It was his first loss since June 28.
What was the final score?
The New York Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4.
