Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Trent Thornton displayed visible frustration in the dugout during Wednesday's 9-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. After being removed from the game in the fifth inning, Thornton was heard yelling and was observed throwing his glove onto the bench.
The incident occurred after Thornton entered the game in the fourth inning with runners on base and managed to strand the runner, keeping the Cubs within a one-run deficit. He retired the leadoff batter in the fifth before issuing a walk and allowing two singles, loading the bases with one out. Manager Craig Counsell then replaced him with Ryan Rolison.
Rolison was able to prevent any earned runs from scoring on Thornton's ledger by inducing a fielder's choice and a pop out, but Thornton's dugout reaction was captured by hot microphones and broadcast.
The Cubs (78-62) struggled to score further after their initial five runs against Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. The Brewers (87-53) extended their lead and now hold a nine-game advantage in the NL Central.
Thornton, 32, is in his first season with the Cubs. He has appeared in 44 games, holding a record of 5-5 with a 3.40 ERA. The Cubs currently sit one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the top Wild Card spot in the National League.