Nolan Arenado acted like a giant baby after getting ejected from game.
Getting ejected from an MLB game is already embarrassing enough, but acting like a big ole baby about it makes it just a little bit worse.
That’s what Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado just did. Yikes. That’s not a good look.
Nolan Arenado has been ejected from this game.
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) August 19, 2021
TV: Bally Sports Midwest
App: Bally Sports app#STLCards pic.twitter.com/mr25Q9F5VS
The toss came in the break between the seventh and eighth innings. Arenado was upset with the first base umpire for his calls on multiple check swings called for strikes. He crossed the line when he came back out to take his place at third base at the start of the eighth inning, still arguing the calls.
Being frustrated with calls you disagree with is understandable. However, getting so heated that you come back after the initial burst of annoyance and prompt an umpire to eject you in a tight game isn’t great. The Cardinals could have used Arenado late in the game.
Fans on Twitter were unhappy with Arenado for not being there when they needed him in the ninth inning. Others directed their ire elsewere. Many blamed manager Mike Shildt for not standing up for his player. If he had argued the calls in Arenado’s place, he might have gotten ejected, but the third baseman might have continued.
Shildt needs to stick up for his players. Arenado should have never been ejected because Shildt should have been doing the arguing and backing him up. Not a good look at all. That’s on Mike Shildt. #STLCards #STLFLy
— Cards Convo ™ (@CardinalsConvo) August 19, 2021
Arenado should be due up 3rd this inning but Mike Shildt is a corporate coward
— anthony (@HelsleysBurner) August 19, 2021
This is why Mike Shildt should have protected Arenado. You never know when you are going to need your best hitter late in the game.#STLCards #STLFly
— Brandon Mahler (@BrandonJMahler) August 19, 2021
Whether you side with Arenado, Shildt, the umpires or anyone else in this equation, the Cardinals certainly could have handled the game much better.
On the night, Arenado was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
St. Louis was on a six-game winning streak before losing to the Brewers on Tuesday. Frustration from that loss may have carried over into Wednesday. The Cardinals are fighting for a postseason spot, but they’re 3.5 games out of the wildcard, so every game matters right now.