D-backs’ Madison Bumgarner says ‘no way’ to umpire Dan Bellino
Aug 5, 2022, 10:51 PM | Updated: 11:00 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) takes the baseball from starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner has some history with umpire Dan Bellino, who was the crew chief and umpire for Friday’s night’s game at Chase Field.
On May 4, the D-backs were in Miami taking on the Marlins when after the first inning, Bellino performed a substance check on Bumgarner that lasted longer than average. It also included an awkward stare down from Bellino to the D-backs lefty that led to the pitcher’s ejection.
The difference between MadBum's and Hernandez's hand checks is striking. pic.twitter.com/CRPOuRXBUE
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 4, 2022
Fast forward to Friday night when the Colorado Rockies took on the D-backs and Bellino was at third base for Bumgarner’s start.
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According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, Bumgarner’s hand was inspected by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger after the first inning and in the third inning when Bellino went to perform the check, Bumgarner took a hard left so Ripperger could perform it instead.
“No way, I’m not putting myself in that position again, no way. I won’t do it,” Bumgarner said postgame.
“He (the home plate umpire) might be a little bit uncomfortable, but I wasn’t being aggressive. I just told them, ‘If you want to check my hand, you can do it, but I’m not letting him do it, I won’t do it.'”
Bumgarner finished the game throwing 5.2 innings, giving up four earned runs, 10 hits, two strikeouts and one walk in the D-backs’ 6-5 win.
