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. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Aug 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; MLB umpire Rob Drake (30) reacts during the third inning of the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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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.

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’s call against Torres and subsequent argument with Soto earned him a lot of criticism.

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