MLB Ejection 151 - Laz Diaz (2; Alex Cora)

HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Astros Bench Coach Alex Cora (alleging pitcher doctored baseball or it was unfit; QOCU) in the top of the 1st inning of the Astros-Angels game. With two out and none on, Diaz examined a baseball from Angels pitcher Parker Bridwell prior to Astros batter Yuli Gurriel's at-bat. Cora was ejected following the first pitch of Gurriel's at-bat for arguing the baseball had too much dirt and was unfit for use pursuant to Rule 4.01(e)(2) or that Bridwell had willfully violated Rule 6.02(c), which prohibits a pitcher from expectorating on, rubbing anywhere other than on bare hands, applying a foreign substance to (or possessing such substance), or otherwise defacing the ball in any manner, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Laz Diaz (63)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Laz Diaz now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 0).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 4).
*Rule 4.01(e)(2) states: "Alternate balls shall be put in play when—A ball has become discolored or unfit for further use."
*Rule 4.01(c) states, in part: "The umpire shall be the sole judge of the fitness of the balls to be used in the game."
*Rule 6.02(c) states: "The pitcher shall not—(5) deface the ball in any manner; or (6) deliver a ball altered in a manner prescribed by Rule 6.02(c)(2) through (5) or what is called the “shine” ball, “spit” ball, “mud” ball or “emery” ball. The pitcher is allowed to rub the ball between his bare hands."
*Rule 6.02 PENALTY states: "For violation of this part of this rule the umpires shall immediately remove the ball from play and issue a warning to the pitcher. Any subsequent violation shall be called a ball. However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. Repeat offenders shall be subject to a fine by the League President."

This is the 151st ejection report of 2017.
This is Houston's 4th ejection of 2017, T-3rd in the AL West (TEX 8; SEA 5; HOU, OAK 4; LAA 1).
This is Alex Cora's first career MLB ejection.
This is Laz Diaz's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since May 9 (Daniel Murphy; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 8/25/17 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Curveball curiosity costs complaining coach Cora, confusing cablecast commentators (HOU)
Second Video: Laz inspects ball, resumes play, runs Cora one pitch later for continued objection (LAA)