What a brutal series for the umps during this weekend series between the Cubs and Tigers. The embarrassing performance culminated on Sunday when Derek Thomas ejected Nico Hoerner in the fifth inning after an incorrect strike three call.
It didn't seem as though Hoerner was being antagonistic toward Thomas as the Cubs second baseman questioned the call that resulted in a quick toss from the home plate umpire. The ejection brought out Cubs manager Craig Counsell from the dugout and he was eventually ejected from the series finale in Detroit as well.
An unbelievable soft move by Thomas. Counsell added more thoughts after the Cubs lost 4-0.
The ejection came after Dansby Swanson doubled to begin the fifth inning against Tigers' righty Jack Flaherty. Although the Detroit starter was keeping the Cubs offense in check there were signs of trouble for Flaherty, who had just escaped a big jam in the fourth inning. Swanson doubled, but then Hoerner's strikeout put a potential rally on ice for the Cubs in the fifth.
Hoerner has been the best hitter with runners in scoring position on the Cubs so far in 2025, batting an even .400, with RISP in 65 at-bats this season.
The Cubs were forced to replace Hoerner with backup Vidal Bruján, who then took an important at-bat in the seventh inning with two runners on base. Bruján flied out to left field and the Cubs did not score in the inning, leading to a shutout loss.
It's bad enough that umpires make awful calls throughout every game on balls and strikes, but to compound their mistakes by throwing guys out who aren't even being demonstrative is absurd. The most frustrating part is MLB does next to nothing to reprimand umpires.
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