MLB Ejection 019 - John Libka (1; Chris Cron)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Athletics hitting coach Chris Cron (quick pitch no-call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Royals-#Athletics game. With two out and none on, A's batter Carlos Cortes took a 0-0 fastball from Royals pitcher Michael Wacha for a called first strike. Replays indicate that Wacha engaged the pitcher's plate and in one motion delivered the baseball while Cortes was not reasonably set in the batter's box, the balk-no call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 1-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a) Comment: "Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly on to the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire."

OBR 6.02(a)(5) Comment: "A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted."

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 3rd coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 12 Managers, 3 Coaches, 4 Players.

This is Oakramengas' 1st ejection of 2026, 2nd in the AL West (LAA 2; OAK? 1; HOU, SEA, TEX 0).

This is Chris Cron's first MLB ejection.

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since August 8, 2025 (Kevin Gausman; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4/24/26 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Wacha's wardrobe malfunction & rushed delivery with pitch clock expiring