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Normally, jewelry isn’t much of a problem for baseball players, but Michael Wacha’s necklace broke and caused an explosive chain reaction.
During the first inning of the Athletics’ 5-2 win over the Kansas City Royals Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park, Wacha’s chain broke. As Wacha stood on the mound, he retrieved the broken chain from his neck and put it in his back pocket.
Immediately after putting away his chain, Wacha began his delivery to beat the clock and fired a sinker for a strike. However, Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes was not ready for the field, as he thought time might be given for Wacha’s broken chain.
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Home plate umpire John Libka ejects Athletics hitting coach Chris Cron during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, California, April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
Cron challenged Wacha’s rapid speech and let John Libka hear it. Cron was expelled almost immediately after complaining to Libka.
“I don’t listen to you, not you,” Libka said, heard on the show. “Get out of here!”
Athletics director Mark Kotsay then went to Libka to clarify which member of his coaching staff had been kicked out.
Athletics broadcaster Dallas Braden was impressed with the smoothness of Wacha’s delivery after putting away his channel.
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Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha throws an Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game in West Sacramento, California, April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
“How about this, all at once. Michael Wacha is going to put the chain in his back pocket,” Braden said.
“What (Cron) is upset about is the fact that Cortes was standing in the box and then waited because Wacha was clearly struggling with a problem, dealing with something, didn’t come down and in one motion took the chain off, put it in his back pocket and then went right into his windup, delivery and went home,” Braden said.
“At no time was Cortes engaged after Wacha decided to initiate the motion.”
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Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes, center fielder Zack Gelof and right fielder Lawrence Butler celebrate the Athletics’ victory against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, California on April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
Adding insult to Cron’s injury, he couldn’t just turn around and go down the tunnel to the clubhouse. Because the clubhouse is in the outfield, Cron had to walk the entire field. As he walked, fans applauded him.
Cortes ended up walking the plate, so no harm, no foul. He went 2 of 3 in the A’s win.
