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Tony Vitello Ejected After Replay Upholds Foul Ruling on Turner Hill Pitch

A replay that upheld the on-field foul call despite slow-motion images raises questions about umpire authority, replay limits.

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Sep 5, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) argues with second base umpire Dan Iassogna (58) after being ejected during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Home-plate umpire Jeremie Rehak ruled that Zac Thornton’s pitch struck Turner Hill’s bat, the Giants challenged the call, and replay review sustained the foul ruling even though slow-motion footage appeared to show contact with Hill’s hand.
  • Giants manager Tony Vitello left the dugout to seek an explanation and was ejected, marking his sixth ejection of the season and his third ejection in 10 days.
  • Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen tied Vitello’s toss to other recent incidents, saying umpires seem to be asserting authority in new ways after changes to on-field power and enforcement.
  • San Francisco won the game 9-5 but remains 59-84 and last in the NL West, a backdrop for why Vitello has defended close calls so frequently this season.
  • The episode highlights limits of replay review for fair/foul and borderline plays and follows earlier audits and automated pitch/strike data that flagged missed calls, which could prompt further debate inside Major League Baseball about replay scope and umpire conduct.