The Houston Astros and San Diego Padres had a nail-biting game on Tuesday. It had everything that kept fans on the edge of their seats, mostly drama and also a stellar comeback. The Astros won 4-3, thanks to Kyle Tucker, who delivered a go-ahead run in the top of the 10th and proved to make the difference. To think that he only just made it out of the IL from a leg injury is impressive. Despite some intense moments, especially in the bottom of the 10th, when Hector Neris had the bases loaded, he closed it out for his 18th save, securing the win.

However, Tucker’s comeback wasn’t the only headline from the game—Jose Altuve or Shoeless Jose seized another highlight moment. During the game, the Astros ace argued about a foul ball, and when the umpire failed to meet ends with him, Altuve took off his shoes. Now, this might just be the 34-year-old retaliating, because this isn’t the first time he has faced a foul ball and it is being overlooked. It already happened this year, and what makes it sad for him is the fact that it resulted in him getting evicted from the game, both times.

Shoeless Jose Altuve ejected after a heated exchange with the umpire

Jose Altuve was facing Padres reliever Robert Suarez, and it looked like he took a blistering 100-mph fastball off his foot. However, the umpire ruled out any foul play, which resulted in an easy out at third. This is when Altuve lost his cool, and took off his cleats and socks; he wanted to show umpire Brennan Miller the mark on his foot. But, well, Miller was bent on his decisions, and that act led him to be ejected from the game. Altuve’s reaction? He was confused!

Jose Altuve was frustrated with the outcome he had to face. According to him, he was just doing what’s a common practice, like players removing their gloves to show proof of being hit. “It was going through my head that it couldn’t happen. It’s the ninth inning, and the winning run is on second base, and I’m battling against a good pitcher, Suarez, the closer. So, obviously, trying to get a hit and drive in the run and win the game,” said Altuve, also mentioning the ball had hit his foot, and that there were four umpires on the field, yet, the right call couldn’t be made.

Even Houston Astros manager Joe Espada, ran out to the field to talk to the umpire, but nothing could come out of it. Espada said, “It’s a foul ball. You have to see the ball once it hits the foot, the flight of the ball, and what the ball does. I don’t understand. [..] There’s four out there. For me, you have to be able to see it. They missed that play.” Espada even got emotional, highlighting how Altuve’s desire to win led him to remove his shoes so that the umpire could reverse the call. Well, in the end, they did win the game, but it did come at the cost of Altuve’s eviction and probably another added something to his fiery reputation.

Altuve and his deja vu story! 

The issue with the San Diego Padres game Altuve faced was eerily similar to what he faced earlier this year at the game against the New York Mets. He had what appeared to be a foul ball off his left foot, while the runners were on second and third with two outs. The ball was then fielded by Mark Vientos, and he threw to first base, ending the inning. The decision was not in Altuve’s favor, and umpires ruled it an inning-ending groundout, which made Altuve furiously throw his helmet and bat. This act led him to be ejected from the game!

To say Altuve was angry would be an understatement; he was fuming. The Astros second baseman explained the reason for his outburst on the field: “They didn’t see it. I understand the guy behind the plate didn’t see it because the catcher’s there. But you have another three guys—first, second, and third. I felt like it was kind of obvious. That’s why I was so mad.” But despite his multiple calls and even the manager of the Astros coming in, the call didn’t change.

Jose Altuve’s ejection was the second of his career, the first being on August 6, 2016, during a game against Texas for arguing a called third strike. And Joe Espada after the recent ejection at Petco Park, argued in Jose Altuve’s favor, saying, “I don’t understand. That’s twice this year.” But well, the umpires saw it differently each time. One thing is for sure: each time Jose Altuve thought that the decision was foul, he spoke out about him, and it shows that he had the fire to win. Every game and every play is important for him, and it shows. So, maybe that was not just his lucky day.

What do you think about the situation? Let us know!