Boston Red Sox color commentator Will Middlebrooks strongly criticized first-base umpire Nic Lentz for ejecting first baseman Willson Contreras during Monday's game, describing the call as "an absolute joke" and "embarrassing to the game."

Contreras was ejected in the second inning after striking out on a check swing. According to the NESN broadcast, Contreras did not appear to speak to Lentz but instead tapped his head while walking back to the dugout, seemingly to signal a challenge of the call. Lentz immediately ejected him from the game, which the Red Sox won 6-3.

"So basically saying, ‘I disagree. I’m challenging that,'" Middlebrooks said on the broadcast. "And you get tossed for that? Are you kidding me? How soft are we getting?"

Middlebrooks also stated that baseball is an entertainment business intended for fans and that umpires should strive to keep prominent players in the game. The interaction was captured on video and shared on social media.

Following the game, Lentz explained his decision to pool reporter Pete Abraham. He stated that a player mockingly tapping his helmet on a play that cannot be challenged results in an automatic ejection. "In a situation like this, where it’s pretty immediate and showing disagreement … it would be immediate ejection," Lentz said.

Contreras expressed surprise at the ejection, noting he believed he had a good rapport with Lentz and thought he could avoid repercussions by not making direct eye contact.

Despite his brief appearance at the plate, Contreras hit a 421-foot home run in the first inning, driving in two runs to give the Red Sox a 3-1 lead they maintained throughout the game. Contreras dedicated the home run to his native Venezuela, which had recently experienced a tragic earthquake that killed over 1,700 people. He described the home run as a prayer answered and a way to offer support during a difficult time for his country, mentioning the loss of many children and people.

Contreras also mentioned that he had spoken with Lentz about the tragedy in Venezuela before the game began.