In the first inning of Major League Baseball's regular-season game on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, the Oakland Athletics defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2.[1][2] Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha, a right-hander who signed a three-year, $51 million contract with Kansas City in December 2024, experienced his necklace breaking while on the mound.[3][4]

Wacha removed the broken chain and placed it in his back pocket before delivering a sinker for a strike to Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes, who was unprepared and anticipated a time-out request.[1][2] Sutter Health Park serves as the Athletics' temporary home for the 2025-2027 seasons while their new Las Vegas stadium is constructed.[5][6]

Athletics hitting coach Chris Cron argued with home plate umpire John Libka over the quick pitch, leading to Cron's immediate ejection.[1][2] Libka, an MLB umpire since 2017, told Cron, "I’m not listening to you, not you. Get out of here!" as captured on the broadcast.[1][2]

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay approached Libka to confirm the ejection.[1][2] Due to the ballpark's layout, with the clubhouse located beyond the outfield, Cron walked across the field to exit, receiving applause from fans.[1][2]

Athletics broadcaster Dallas Braden noted Wacha's seamless motion: "All in one fell swoop. Michael Wacha gonna put the chain in his back pocket," and explained Cortes' expectation of a delay.[1][2] Cortes walked in the at-bat and finished 2-for-3 in the game.[1][2]

Sources

1. Fox News. "Athletics coach ejected after Royals pitcher Wacha's necklace breaks, quick pitch controversy." April 30, 2026. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/athletics-coach-ejected-wacha-necklace-quick-pitch
2. Associated Press. "A's hitting coach Chris Cron ejected in 1st inning vs Royals amid Wacha jewelry mishap." April 30, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/athletics-royals-wacha-ejection-2026
3. MLB.com. "Royals sign RHP Michael Wacha to three-year contract." December 20, 2024. https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-sign-michael-wacha
4. ESPN. "Royals, Michael Wacha agree to three-year, $51 million deal." December 20, 2024. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42723456/royals-michael-wacha-agree-three-year-51m-deal
5. MLB.com. "Athletics to play at Sutter Health Park 2025-27." April 4, 2024. https://www.mlb.com/news/athletics-to-play-at-sutter-health-park-2025-27
6. Baseball-Reference.com. "Sutter Health Park (West Sacramento, CA)." Accessed October 2024. https://www.baseball-reference.com/ballparks/SUTTER