The Tampa Bay Rays suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to the Houston Astros on Sunday, but the final score wasn’t the only talking point. Rays infielder Taylor Walls was ejected under bizarre circumstances in the top of the ninth inning after a disputed strike call. An unexpected gesture triggered his removal from the game.
Facing Astros closer Josh Hader with one out, Walls watched the first pitch and was called a strike by home plate umpire Nic Lentz. Frustrated, Walls stepped out of the box, then returned and tapped the top of his helmet while adjusting it. Moments later, Lentz ejected him from the game.
Taylor Walls was ejected from the game after tapping his helmet.
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The call left fans and Walls stunned. The helmet tap is typically associated with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system used in minor leagues and spring training, not in the majors.
Taylor Walls Claims Helmet Tap Was “Unintentional”
Walls later explained the action wasn’t meant to signal a challenge or show up the umpire.
“I have no recollection of it, but after seeing the video, it looks like I tapped my helmet,” Walls said.
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“But it was totally unintentional, something I was not consciously aware of at all. I’m looking right at him when I’m doing it with no sincere, at that point. Maybe I was frustrated with the strike call, but there was no sincerity of trying to show the guy up. … He comes out, and he’s like, we’re not doing that. You’re out of here, and tosses me.”
Walls had entered the game as a pinch-runner in the seventh inning and did not record an at-bat. His ejection in the ninth left the Rays scrambling, with Christopher Morel stepping in and striking out. Junior Caminero followed with another strikeout, ending the Rays’ hopes of a comeback.
The Astros, backed by a strong performance from their bullpen, shut out the Rays in the finale to take the series.
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