Angels and Rays Face Off Amid Pregame Ejections

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, who lead the AL East, on Saturday. However, the game was marred by an unusual pregame incident leading to three ejections before it even started.

Before the game’s first pitch at Tropicana Field, Angels reliever Brent Suter and Rays pitchers Steven Wilson and Manuel Rodríguez were ejected by the third-base umpire. The ejections stemmed from what looked like a standoff during the national anthem. Suter stood near the third-base dugout, while Wilson and Rodríguez stood near the first-base dugout alongside the Rays mascots.

As this unfolded, Drew Rasmussen was ready on the mound, and Angels’ leadoff hitter Zach Neto was positioned in the batter’s box. Eventually, the umpire signalled the expulsion of all three players involved. Despite this, the game commenced as planned.

Suter had previously pitched in Friday’s series opener against the Rays. His participation on consecutive days was uncertain before Saturday’s game. Meanwhile, Rodríguez and Wilson have not yet debuted this season. Rodríguez is recovering from elbow surgery, and Wilson is dealing with lumbar disc inflammation.

The Angels secured a 14-3 victory. The teams will face each other again on Sunday afternoon in the series finale, with one win each in the three-game series.