MLB stands by Brett Gardner ejection even though umpire misidentified him

Major League Baseball admitted that home plate umpire Chris Segal mistook Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner for a teammate in last Friday’s game — but ruled that he still deserved his ejection.

Segal ejected Gardner during Friday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays despite the fact that he was sitting quietly on the bench at the time. MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre admitted Tuesday that Segal thought teammate Cameron Maybin was Gardner — but also said Gardner’s actions in the game still warranted an ejection.