2. Blue Jays manager John Schneider, 4–1 loss to the Dodgers
The Blue Jays were close to ending a five game losing streak when, during a tight game at home on April 7, Kevin Gausman was called for a balk by home plate umpire Dan Merzel.
While the call itself had some justification, balk rulings are rarely met without protest. Schneider’s reaction seemed less about the single play and more about mounting frustration from injuries and early season underperformance by the defending American League champions.
Toronto had a prime opportunity to gain ground in the standings with series against Colorado and the White Sox but went 1–5 over that stretch. Schneider’s outburst appeared to be an attempt to spark his team, but it did not change the outcome, as the losing streak reached six games. They did, however, avoid a sweep the following day.
3. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, 7–3 loss to Cincinnati
The Angels have shown flashes of promise in 2026, but in Cincinnati they fell behind early and could not recover. In the eighth inning, Logan O’Hoppe struck out on a pitch that Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson failed to handle cleanly. He ran to first but was called out for leaving the baseline.
Suzuki immediately argued the call, insisting O’Hoppe maintained a proper path. Upon review, the umpires were correct, and Suzuki was ejected for the first time as a manager.
