Josh Donaldson calls out TBS broadcast for criticizing umpire Jerry Meals

Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson called out the TBS broadcast for complaining about umpire Jerry Meals.

Meals’ controversial strike calls in Game 3 of Dodgers vs Braves went viral for the wrong reasons, so much so that even the TBS broadcast noticed. The veteran umpire made at least one bad decision aimed at each team, but the broadcast aimed most of their frustration at his fourth inning decision-making which led to four Braves runs, and the removal of Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.

While his veteran status makes him an excellent choice for postseason baseball, Meals hasn’t exactly exuded confidence from any fanbase when checking the scorecard postgame.

The TBS broadcast, including former Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, put Meals on blast for what’s been a tough game for him thus far. Donaldson doesn’t think Meals has been that much of a difference maker, however.

"“It’s funny to me how Francoeur and this other guy talk about a strike 3 called ball and Meals has given Buehler 5 strikes that were balls. Haven’t said a word about that,” Donaldson tweeted."

Jerry Meals a popular talking point in Game 3

Meals hasn’t been great by any means, but the Dodgers haven’t done themselves any favors. Los Angeles has 15 walks (as of this writing) so far this series, and has only scored on three of them. Their inability to drive home runners on base is far more of a cause to their losing ways than Meals’ umpiring.