The White Sox went into Sunday’s game against the Brewers riding a 10-game losing streak, so the desperation to end that streak was understandable. But in true White Sox fashion, Tommy Pham managed to add to the embarrassment.
With the White Sox trailing by one run in the eighth inning, Pham wanted to test Christian Yelich’s arm on a fly out to left field. There was nothing wrong with the decision to send Pham there — even with Pham’s below-average speed. Yelich’s arm strength ranks in the 42nd percentile amongst MLB outfielders, so why not force him to make a play?
Yet, you won’t see any base runner take a worse path than Pham did on a tag from third.
Tommy Pham is heated after a play at the plate 😳
(via @BallySportWI)
pic.twitter.com/SfdxMb2j1m— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 2, 2024
Pham was running on the infield grass and took a direct path towards Brewers catcher William Contreras who tagged him out at home. Pham — the same guy who slapped Joc Pederson over fantasy football — took exception with how Contreras reacted to the play (apparently he can’t celebrate?). It got to the point where White Sox players and coaches had to intervene to calm Pham down.
Pham was HEATED after being thrown out at the plate pic.twitter.com/wooYjRCHqg
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) June 2, 2024
But really, Contreras was the one who should have been upset with Pham, if anything. Contreras gave Pham a window to slide into home, but the White Sox outfielder opted to go straight at the catcher. Good teams don’t make mistakes like this:
This was a hard, old school play by Tommy Pham.
I don't think anyone took exception to the slide, just that he didn't like William celebrating.
Which, if you don't want them to celebrate, don't give them a reason to. pic.twitter.com/iRKEOkYTI9
— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) June 2, 2024
Cooler heads would eventually prevail, and the Brewers went on to hand the White Sox their 11th straight loss.
Pham spoke about what happened after the game, and let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled. (Warning: Strong language)
Tommy Pham on play at the plate: pic.twitter.com/eILCyrMdgT
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) June 2, 2024
