Jose Altuve had an issue with the umpire. However, removing his cleat and sock in an attempt to highlight the situation led to his ejection from the game.

During one of the more peculiar moments of the 2024 MLB season, the Houston Astros second baseman was called out in the ninth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres after a ground ball seemingly grazed his big toe while he was batting.

Home plate umpire Brennan Miller missed the contact and upheld the out call.

Still angry as the Astros took their positions for the bottom of the ninth, Altuve took off his cleat and sock to indicate where the ball had hit his toe. Miller quickly responded by ejecting him from the game.

“It was a foul ball,” Altuve stated, according to MLB.com. “It was clear. I just wanted to have my at-bat against (Robert) Suarez. I know he’s excellent, but I wanted to continue fighting against him.”

The groundout eliminated Altuve’s chance to bring in the go-ahead run from second base, leaving the game tied at 3-3 as they entered the bottom of the ninth.

What frustrated the Astros the most was Miller’s firm stance on the call, as he did not consult any of his fellow umpires for a second opinion.

Moreover, instant replay could not assist the Astros since the foul ball decision was not subject to review, so the out remained in effect.

Alongside Altuve, Houston’s manager Joe Espada was also ejected from the game.

Eventually, the game moved into extra innings, where Kyle Tucker of the Astros hit the game-winning RBI single in the top of the 10th inning.

Fortunately for Altuve’s teammates, they didn’t have to endure the same fate.