Houston Astros’ Ronel Blanco ejected after glove inspection

Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco was ejected before the start of the fourth inning of his Tuesday start following a lengthy inspection of his glove by the umpiring crew.

Blanco recorded three scoreless innings against the visiting Oakland Athletics, allowing four hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Crew chief Laz Diaz ejected Blanco after his glove was confiscated and inspected between innings.

Astros manager Joe Espada issued a mild protest but quickly acquiesced as Blanco retreated to the dugout and clubhouse.

Blanco entered his eighth start of the year with a 4-0 record and a 2.23 ERA. He rotated out of spring training, mostly thanks to right-handers Justin Verlander and Jose Urquidy opening the season on the injured list. Blanco was hitless in his first start of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1.

Blanco, 30, has a career record of 6-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 career games (15 starts) over three major league seasons, all with the Astros.

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The Astros won the game 2-1 in 10 innings.