The Seattle Mariners were thrust into controversy Tuesday night when manager Dan Wilson was ejected in the third inning of a tense matchup vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field. With Seattle trailing 2-0 and playoff pressure mounting, the incident came at a pivotal point in the game — and in the Mariners' postseason push.
The situation escalated when middle-infielder Cole Young disputed a called strike. The Mariners dugout reacted vocally, prompting umpire Manny Gonzalez to eject outfielder Dominic Canzone. Moments later, Wilson came out to defend his player and was tossed as well.
Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times shared the chaotic sequence live on X (formerly Twitter), noting that multiple ejections occurred nearly simultaneously.
“Someone in the Mariners just got ejected by the home plate umpire. And now Dan Wilson is ejected as well.”
MLB's Daniel Kramer also reported from the scene on X, explaining that Wilson was ejected after stepping out to defend the dugout following a called strike by Gonzalez. He added that it was initially unclear who the umpire had intended to eject.
“Dan Wilson has just been ejected by home-plate umpire Manny Gonzalez here in the 3rd inning, shortly after he went out to defend the Mariners dugout after they chirped about a called strike vs. Cole Young.
It’s still unclear which player Gonzalez was ejecting.”
This marked Wilson’s second ejection of the 2025 season, with both coming during high-stakes divisional matchups. Known for his composed demeanor, the former catcher was never ejected during his 14-year MLB playing career.
The timing couldn’t be more intense. The Mariners’ playoff race has tightened, with Seattle sitting at 73-65, just three games behind the AL West-leading Houston Astros. The Mariners vs. Rays series carries major Wild Card implications, and Wilson’s ejection left bench coach Manny Acta in charge during a critical stretch of the season.
Seattle’s offense has taken a clear step forward in 2025, emerging as one of the league’s more productive lineups in both power and plate discipline. That growth has only increased the spotlight on leadership and in-game strategy as the postseason race tightens. For some fans, Wilson’s calm and measured demeanor fits the moment. For others, especially with Lou Piniella—the franchise’s famously fiery former manager—watching from the stands, it raises questions about whether this Mariners team needs a louder spark as October draws near.
