MLB Ejection 088 - John Tumpane (1; David Popkins)

[Lindsay]

HP Umpire John Tumpane ejected Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins (illegal pitch no-call on Zack Wheeler's pivot foot on/off the rubber; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #BlueJays-#Phillies game. With two out and none on prior during batter Josh Smith's at-bat, Popkins was ejected arguing Wheeler illegally delivered with his pivot foot not in contact with the pitcher's plate. Replays indicate the the foot remained in contact with the edge of the rubber, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is John Tumpane (74)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a): "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset their pivot foot in their delivery of the pitch."

This is the 88th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 19th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 48 Managers, 19 Coaches, 21 Players.

This is Toronto's 4th ejection of 2026, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 7; BOS 6; TOR 4; TB 3; BAL 2).

This is David Popkins' 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 8 (Jansen Visconti; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Tumpane's 1st ejection since Sept 21, 2025 (Mark Vientos; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Philadelphia Phillies, 8/7/26 | Video as follows:
Alternate Link: Tumpane ejects Popkins for complaining about Wheeler's pivot foot positioning

View the full article