Yankees exchange heated words with Toronto after Josh Donaldson hit by pitch

On Tuesday, the New York Yankees played a heated game against the Toronto Blue Jays, which ended in a walk-off homer from Aaron Judge. The Bombers desperately mounted a comeback after third baseman Josh Donaldson was hit by a fastball which was deemed intentional by the umpires after Yimi Garcia executed the pitch.

Garcia had just given up a game-tying home run from Giancarlo Stanton, but Donaldson and Toronto catcher Tyler Heineman exchanged a few heated words at home plate, which led to a wayward pitch and multiple ejections.

Umpire Alonso Marquez believed that there was intent on the pitch based on the exchange between Donaldson and Heineman.

“That definitely played into it,’’ Marquez said after the game. “There were pretty strong words. Then you have a game-tying home run and the second pitch — which we deemed intentional.”

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While Donaldson indicated that he believed the pitch wasn’t intentional, he clearly showed his frustration, and the entire Yankees bench began chirping at Garcia on the mound.

“With the situation of the game and a tie score, normally I’d say [he didn’t throw at me on purpose],’’ Donaldson said. “It’s a tough position for the umpire. [Garcia] gives up a home run and hits me two pitches later. In my heart of hearts, I don’t think it was [intentional], but it didn’t look good.”

When a pitch is traveling that fast high, and tight, you have to believe there was some intent behind it. Donaldson tried to play it off cool, but there’s a reason the Yankees got flustered. Donaldson did confirm that he was talking a bit of smack with Toronto’s catcher, indicating that he didn’t even know his name.

“I didn’t even know that was his name. Never heard of him.”

Stating that you don’t even know who the player is is always a good way to belittle their ego. Donaldson took a more passive-aggressive route after the game. Nonetheless, with multiple Blue Jays getting ejected, the Yankees took full advantage, mounting an outstanding comeback in the 9th inning to steal a win in the Bronx.