Starting Five: Ejection Day at Metrodome

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That umpire Todd Tichenor made quite a name for himself in a big league cameo as a vacation replacement. Tichenor, a 32-year-old Triple-A ump, ejected both managers and both starting catchers in one inning of the Red Sox-Twins game on Thursday afternoon.

"Sometimes, those things happen -- everybody handles thing differently," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "It looked like he had his hands full today."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was tossed for the 43rd time in his career. An expert on ejections, he said that Tichenor acted too quickly. Tichenor did not make himself available to the media to explain himself.

In the top of the seventh, Twins catcher Mike Redmond argued with Tichenor after he called Jeff Bailey safe at home. Redmond got ejected, and then Gardenhire got ejected when he came out. In the bottom of the inning, Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett and catcher Jason Varitek both expressed their displeasure at not getting a called third strike. Tichenor ejected Varitek and then Francona, who came out to defend his catcher.

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From the Trainers Room...
Braves left-hander Tom Glavine said after his five scoreless innnings for Triple-A Gwinnett that he is ready to rejoin the Atlanta rotation. Glavine, who is coming back from elbow surgery last August, said he was satisfied that he could start in the majors as soon as Tuesday.

"In my mind, I certainly think it wouldn't hurt me to go out there one more time and work on my mechanics a little bit and try to get my location back," Glavine said. "On the other hand, with my velocity where it is right now, I would certainly feel good about pitching in the big leagues."

By The Numbers...
The Cubs have lost all 19 games this year when scoring three runs or fewer, worst in the majors. Only two other teams, the Phillies (0-15) and the Rays (0-17) have yet to win a game with three runs or fewer. The Indians won their first on Thursday.

In Their Own Words...
"Maybe next time we come in, we'll have some candles and holy water. I have no good explanation for this." -- Rays manager Joe Maddon, after his team lost for the 17th consecutive time at Cleveland, including a blown 10-run lead and a blown five-run lead this week.

Advance Scouting...
In one of the most anticipated debuts in years, Orioles catcher Matt Wieters is going to be behind the plate in the big leagues. Wieters, considered the top position-player prospect in baseball, will face the Tigers (7:05 PM ET). As an added bonus, Dontrelle Willis will be starting for Detroit.