MLB umpires have had a rough go of it this year, but a called strike three to Atlanta Braves slugger Matt Olson in Sunday’s game against the Nationals may have been the worst strikeout call we have seen yet.
There were two outs in the fifth inning when Olson worked the count full against Nationals reliever Steve Cishek, who threw a breaking ball that was several inches off the outside of the plate.
Olson began walking toward first to take his base before home plate umpire Jose Navas punched him out with a called strike three.
The Braves slugger was in total disbelief, arguing the call with Navas as he went back to the dugout. You could see Olson, who was so stunned he couldn’t help but smile, say something along the lines of “that wasn’t close.”
MLB’s Gameday showed just how far off that ball was (the red 7).
Olson did not argue to the point of ejection, but there has been a lot of criticism of MLB umps this year, seemingly more than usual.
Other lowlights include Doug Eddings reportedly missing 29 calls behind home plate during a game between the Blue Jays and White Sox and Kyle Schwarber unleashing his fury on Angel Hernandez on a ball that was low and away in the bottom of the ninth in a 1-0 game.
With automated ball-strike systems being tested in the minors, umpires have been feeling the heat lately.
Fans on social media sounded off on the latest botched call:
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram