The Boston Red Sox have a dominant bullpen. At least, that’s how starting pitcher Walker Buehler put it after getting tossed from the game.
Buehler made headlines on May 20 when he was ejected during the third inning of a game against the New York Mets. It didn’t stop the Red Sox from winning, though.
Walker Buehler Ejected After Dust-Up With Ump
Buehler and Red Sox manager Alex Cora were both ejected after a tense moment involving Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. It started when Buehler hit Lindor on the back foot with a pitch. Following Lindor stealing second base, an argument ensued during the next at-bat between Buehler and home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. Buehler’s pitch before Lindor’s stolen base was called a ball instead of the believed-to-be-deserved strike.
Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora have both been ejected by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook pic.twitter.com/Oa94A0jrA4
— SNY (@SNYtv)
After the game, Buehler didn’t sugarcoat his reaction. He admitted his behavior wasn’t great and gave a wild shoutout to the bullpen, who shut the Mets down the rest of the way.
“I wouldn’t want me out there either. Sad thing is the BULLPEN is full of f****** animals. Touch choice,” Buehler posted on X in response to video evidence of Lindor advocating for Buehler’s ejection.
Boston’s bullpen navigated through the final 20 outs of the ballgame to secure a 2-0 win over the Mets following Buehler and Cora’s exit.
The Beef Between Buehler and Francisco Lindor
A potential rivalry between Buehler and Lindor dates back to when Buehler was on the Los Angeles Dodgers. On Oct. 16, 2024, Buehler faced Lindor with the bases loaded and two outs. Buehler struck him out in dramatic fashion, getting out of the jam to end the second inning.
Feel like this Buehler/Lindor rivalry dates back to when Buehler owned him when he was on the Dodgers… pic.twitter.com/tC1cqylQY4
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore)
The Dodgers won the World Series, making Buehler a one-time College World Series Champion and two-time World Series ring holder.
Lindor, on the other hand, is having a solid 2025 season. He’s already got 29 runs, 54 hits, and 28 RBIs. He’s known for his quick feet on the bases and his confidence on the field.
But Buehler’s success is not to be overlooked compared to Lindor’s.
Since being in the majors, Buehler has been named a two-time All-Star and has won two World Series titles, in addition to the College World Series ring in his collection. On his way up to the MLB, he was also selected as the Dodgers’ minor league pitcher of the year.
With the Mets and Red Sox being an interleague matchup, the opportunities for these two to face off against each other won’t happen often. But when they do, fans should be ready for some fireworks to pop off.