Twins Manager Derek Shelton Ejected in Profane Umpire Confrontation
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was involved in a heated, expletive-filled argument with umpire Nic Lentz that led to his ejection during Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The incident occurred in the midst of the Twins' 5-4 loss, with Shelton's furious outburst captured by a live microphone on the field.
Shelton's Fiery Exchange with Umpire Lentz
The confrontation erupted after Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz checked his swing on a pitch and subsequently hit a two-out single. Shelton was heard vehemently disputing with Lentz over what the umpire alleged he had said. In audio that circulated widely, Shelton insisted, "I did not say anything to you. I said, 'Let's f***ing go.' God damnit, come on. I didn't say anything to you. I said nothing to you."
It remains unclear precisely what Lentz accused Shelton of uttering, but the manager was thrown out of the game—marking his second ejection of the season. Shelton continued to protest, stating, "I did not say that. No. No. No I didn't. I did not say anything to you. All I said was, 'Let's f***ing go.' No, that's bulls***. You did not. God dammit. C'mon."
Game Outcome and Team Performances
The altercation preceded a disappointing series for the Twins, who were swept in three games by the Reds. The following day, Cincinnati rallied past Minnesota 7-4, with TJ Friedl hitting a go-ahead, three-run double in the ninth inning and Rece Hinds adding a two-run double in the 10th. The Reds scored six runs over the final two innings to secure their third extra-inning victory this season, equaling their total from 2025.
The NL Central-leading Reds have demonstrated remarkable resilience, boasting an 11-0 record in games decided by three or fewer runs, including a perfect 6-0 in one-run contests. In contrast, the Twins now stand at 11-11 for the season, reflecting a middling start under Shelton's leadership.
Shelton's Background and Career
Derek Shelton took over as manager of the Minnesota Twins in October, following a six-year tenure as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2020 to 2025. Prior to that, he served as the bench coach for the Twins in 2018 and 2019, giving him familiarity with the organization. This ejection highlights the intense pressures and emotions inherent in professional baseball management, particularly during close games and contentious umpire decisions.
