A.J. Hinch, Alex Cintron ejected from Astros game in unusual sequence

Dan Bernstein

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A.J. Hinch, Alex Cintron ejected from Astros game in unusual sequence image

Ron Kulpa did not eject Astros manager A.J. Hinch when Hinch first stormed out of the dugout to argue balls and strikes Wednesday night.

Kulpa did, however, appear to yell, "I can do anything that I want" at Hinch, who seemingly had a fair point in his complaints toward the umpire. Most notably, Kulpa called a two-strike Gerrit Cole pitch in the previous half-inning a ball when it was very much in the strike zone. Instead of ending the frame there, Rangers power hitter Joey Gallo drew a walk.

As Hinch returned to the dugout from the encounter, Kulpa ejected Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron. Moments later, Kulpa tossed Hinch, too.

This, of course, comes just a couple weeks after umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Hinch one pitch into a spring training game. After that incident, Hinch called Hernandez's conduct "unprofessional" and said he would let the league know about it. MLB suspended Hinch for a spring training game and Hinch later apologized for his actions.

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The Astros (2-4) have encountered a frustrating opening week to the regular season, and their issues with Kulpa continued even after their hitting coach and manager were dismissed from Wednesday night's action. Cole had to be separated from Kulpa by catcher Max Stassi in the bottom of the fourth inning.

When his outing was done, Cole took one last chance to let Kulpa know the full extent of his displeasure.

This post will be updated with postgame reactions from Hinch and the players.

Dan Bernstein