St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras has been handed a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine by Major League Baseball following a heated altercation during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 25, 2025. The incident occurred in the seventh inning of the Cardinals’ 7-6 victory at Busch Stadium, where Contreras was ejected by home plate umpire Derek Thomas, after striking out.
The situation escalated when Contreras, visibly frustrated, threw his bat toward the field, accidentally striking Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown. He also tossed a bucket of Hi-Chew candy onto the field, prompting Cardinals staff to clean up the debris. Manager Oliver Marmol was also ejected during the argument. Contreras later stated he only asked the umpire to “call the pitches for both sides,” denying any disrespectful comments, but crew chief Jordan Baker cited “vulgar” language as the reason for the ejections.
Awful Announcing on X (formerly Twitter): “”Willson was hot. My guess is that he heard something. And then, Mount Vesuvius happened.””Frustration understood. It happens. Not to that extent though.”Cardinals announcers Chip Caray and Brad Thompson react as Willson Contreras and Oliver Marmol are ejected. pic.twitter.com/su5ccbUgc6 / X”
“Willson was hot. My guess is that he heard something. And then, Mount Vesuvius happened.””Frustration understood. It happens. Not to that extent though.”Cardinals announcers Chip Caray and Brad Thompson react as Willson Contreras and Oliver Marmol are ejected. pic.twitter.com/su5ccbUgc6
Contreras claims that it wasn’t over the third strike call. Contreras admitted that the call was correct, and that he “struck out on a good pitch.” But the issue, he said, was over something that the umpire thought he said. Contreras did not elaborate on what that was, but insisted that he wasn’t complaining about that specific call.
“I’m still wondering to be honest,” Contreras said. “I don’t think he had reason to throw me out. I didn’t argue any pitch in my last at bat. The only thing I said was, ‘Call the pitch on both sides because you’re missing for us.’ I turned around, the next thing I hear they threw me out. He had no reason for it.”
Contreras has elected to appeal the suspension, allowing him to remain in the lineup for the Cardinals’ ongoing series against the Pirates. The team, currently 5.5 games out of a National League Wild Card spot, faces a potential setback if the suspension is upheld, given Contreras’ strong performance this season, batting .261 with 19 home runs and a career-high 72 RBIs.
The appeal process will determine the final outcome, but the incident has sparked debate about umpire-player tensions and Contreras’ fiery demeanor, which, while a key part of his competitive edge, has now led to significant consequences.
Joey Schneider on X (formerly Twitter): “Willson Contreras on his point of view around Monday’s ejection: “I don’t think he had a reason to throw me out. I didn’t argue any pitch in my last at-bat. The only thing I said was, ‘Call those pitches both sides.’ I turn around. Next thing I hear, he threw me out.” #STLCards pic.twitter.com/BdvUqMDcJX / X”
Willson Contreras on his point of view around Monday’s ejection: “I don’t think he had a reason to throw me out. I didn’t argue any pitch in my last at-bat. The only thing I said was, ‘Call those pitches both sides.’ I turn around. Next thing I hear, he threw me out.”
