Angels Triumph Over Rays Despite Pre-Game Ejections

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels secured a decisive victory against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. However, the triumph was clouded by a pregame incident that resulted in three player ejections before the game commenced.

The incident occurred at Tropicana Field when the third-base umpire expelled Angels reliever Brent Suter, along with Rays pitchers Steven Wilson and Manuel Rodríguez. The ejections appeared to stem from a standoff over the pregame national anthem.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Brent Suter was seen participating in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 29, 2026. (Credit: Pablo Robles/Imagn Images)

Following the conclusion of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Suter lingered near the third-base dugout. Meanwhile, Wilson and Rodríguez positioned themselves by the first-base dugout with the support of the Rays mascots.

Drew Rasmussen was prepared to pitch, and Angels leadoff hitter Zach Neto stood ready in the batter’s box. Despite these circumstances, the umpire announced the ejections were necessary before the game resumed as planned.

Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki substitutes relief pitcher Brent Suter during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on May 22, 2026. (Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)

Suter had participated in the series opener on Friday. It was uncertain whether he would pitch on consecutive days. Rodríguez, recovering from elbow surgery, and Wilson, dealing with lumbar disc inflammation, hadn’t played this season.

The Angels clinched the game with a score of 14-3. They are set to compete in a series finale against the Rays on Sunday, with each team having won one game.