Ichiro Ejected from Game for First Time in Career
By wchung | 20 Jun, 2026

Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki strikes out on a pitch from Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Roy Halladay during first-inning AL baseball game action in Toronto, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Fred Thornhill)

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was ejected from Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays for arguing a called third strike in the fifth inning.

It’s the first ejection of the season for the Mariners and the first of Suzuki’s career, including his years in Japan.

Suzuki used his bat to draw a line on the outer edge of the plate, indicating that David Purcey’s strike three pitch was outside. Home plate umpire Brian Runge immediately ejected Suzuki, who argued briefly before being escorted off the field by manager Don Wakamatsu.

Michael Saunders replaced Suzuki in the lineup and played left, with Bill Hall moving to right.

Suzuki went 0-3, dropping his average to .353. He’s second to Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer in the AL batting race.

9/26/2009 2:45 PM TORONTO (AP)