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Normally on the diamond, jewelry isn’t a big deal for baseball players, but Michael Wacha’s necklace broke and set off an explosive chain reaction.
In the first inning of the A’s 5-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park, Wacha’s chain broke. As Wacha stood on the mound, he picked up the broken chain from his neck and put it in his back pocket.
Immediately after putting away his chain, Wacha started his pitch to beat the shot clock and hit a sinker for a strike. However, A’s left fielder Carlos Cortés was not ready for the pitch, as he thought he might be given time for Wacha’s broken chain.
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Home plate umpire John Libka ejects A’s hitting coach Chris Cron during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, California, on April 29, 2026. (Scott Marshall/AP Photo)
Cron took issue with Wacha’s quick pitch and let John Libka hear it. Cron was kicked out almost immediately after complaining to Libka.
“I don’t listen to you, not you,” said Libka, who was heard on the broadcast. “Get out of here!”
Athletic director Mark Kotsay reached out to Libka to clarify which member of his coaching staff was expelled.
Athletics announcer Dallas Braden was impressed with how smooth Wacha’s delivery was after putting away the chain.
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Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha throws to an Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game in West Sacramento, California, 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 standing at the box and then waited because Wacha was clearly dealing with a problem, dealing with something, he didn’t get off and in one motion he took off his chain, put it in his back pocket and then he stepped right up to his rope, handed over and came home,” Braden said.
“At no time did Cortés commit himself after Wacha decided to launch the motion.”
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A’s left fielder Carlos Cortes, center fielder Zack Gelof and right fielder Lawrence Butler celebrate the A’s victory over the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, California, 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 toward the clubhouse. Because the clubhouse is in the outfield, Cron had to walk the entire field. As he walked, the fans gave him a loud applause.
Cortés ended up walking in that at-bat, so no harm, no foul. He made two of three in the A’s victory.
