NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Normally on the diamond, jewelry isn’t much of a problem for baseball players, but Michael Wacha’s necklace broke and caused an explosive chain reaction.
In the first inning of the Athletics’ 5-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park, Wacha’s chain snapped. As Wacha stood on the mound, he gathered the broken chain from around his neck and put it in his back pocket.
Immediately after putting his chain away, Wacha started his delivery to beat the pitch clock and fired a sinker for a strike. However, Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes was not ready to pitch as he believed time might be given to Wacha’s broken chain.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Home plate umpire John Libka ejects Athletics manager Chris Cron during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., on April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
Cron took issue with Wacha’s fast pitch and let John Libka hear it. Cron was kicked out almost immediately after complaining to Libka.
“I’m not listening to you, not you,” said Libka, who was heard on the broadcast. “Get out of here!”
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay then reached out to Libka to clarify which member of his coaching staff was kicked out.
Athletics shortstop Dallas Braden was impressed with how seamless Wacha’s delivery was after putting his chain away.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha throws to an Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game in West Sacramento, Calif., on April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
“How about that, all in one fell swoop. Michael Wacha will put the chain in his back pocket,” Braden said.
“What (Cron) is upset about is the fact that Cortes was in the box and then he waited because Wacha was obviously dealing with an issue, dealing with something, didn’t step off and all in one motion took the chain off, put it in his back pocket and stepped right into his pickup, delivery and came home,” Braden said.
“At no time was Cortes engaged after Wacha decided to initiate the affair.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes, center fielder Zack Gelof and right fielder Lawrence Butler celebrate the Athletics’ win over the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., on April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
To add insult to injury for Cron, he couldn’t just turn around and walk down the tunnel into the clubhouse. Because the clubhouse is in the outfield, Cron had to walk through the entire field. As he left, fans gave him a standing ovation.
Cortes ended up going in that fight, so no harm, no foul. He went two-for-three in the A’s win.
