TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO:Rays’ Taylor Walls ejected from Astros game after simple act at the pla….see more

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls was ejected during the ninth inning of a 1-0 loss to the Houston Astros on June 1, 2025, after a controversial incident involving a helmet tap. The ejection occurred following a strikeout on a pitch that appeared outside the strike zone. In response, Walls stepped out of the batter’s box, adjusted his helmet, and appeared to tap it—a gesture interpreted by home plate umpire Nic Lentz as a mock request for a challenge under the upcoming Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, set to be implemented in 2027.

Though this gesture is currently not allowed, Lentz deemed it disrespectful and ejected Walls immediately. Walls reacted angrily, surprising coaches and broadcasters with his intensity. After the game, Walls claimed the helmet tap was unintentional, insisting he was merely adjusting his helmet and unaware that it resembled a challenge motion. He expressed frustration over the misunderstanding and emphasized he had no intent to show up the umpire.

The loss dropped the Rays to third place in the AL East with a 30-29 record. They will begin a three-game series against the Rangers on Tuesday.