Rob Drake has generally been graded as one of MLB’s worst umpires throughout his career. On Friday night, he wasted no time showing why.
Drake, who was behind the plate for the first time this season during Friday’s game between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, had issues with the game’s first hitter — and then the game’s second hitter.
The first hitter of the game, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres struck out. Houston’s Cristian Javier threw a 2-2 slider to Torres, who took the pitch. While the pitch looked to be outside, Drake called strike 3. Torres was clearly unhappy with the call and stared at Drake briefly before heading back to the dugout.
Rob Drake is off to a roaring start in Houston.
He rings the first hitter of the game, Gleyber Torres, up on an outside pitch.pic.twitter.com/73VnHiHazJ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 30, 2024
So, the Yankees were probably already a little annoyed with Drake when the game’s second hitter, Juan Soto, came up. Javier quickly worked an 0-2 count to Soto, who called time-out. Drake granted the time-out but got into an argument with Soto when restarting it, clearly telling him, “The clock started.” A frustrated Soto had some words back for Drake but dug in, then ripped the next pitch for a single.
Drake then gets into an argument with the second hitter of the game, Juan Soto, about the clock restarting after a time-out.
Soto then singled on the next pitch. pic.twitter.com/92JovvNsne
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 30, 2024
Drake’s call against Torres and subsequent argument with Soto earned him a lot of criticism.
Rob Drake is having a real ump show moment with Soto, and Soto responds with a two-strike single. 🔥
— Sara Sanchez (@BCB_Sara) March 30, 2024
Rob Drake serious with that call?
— Noah Clement (@CoachClement_) March 30, 2024
god i hate this guy https://t.co/NjCRVzkv3J
— Brennan #WeWantRenel 🍉 (@BayAreaBrennan) March 30, 2024
Rob Drake is a clown lmao https://t.co/vGtWxBGEaB
— Jeff Middleton (@jjmid04) March 30, 2024
Rob Drake making this game about him
— Dinkleberg (@JoshHansen25) March 30, 2024
Ump show tonight
Rob Drake game isn’t about you
— BnS Breaks (@BnsBreaks) March 30, 2024
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