ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol questioned outfielder Tyler O’Neill’s effort after he was thrown out at home during Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
With St. Louis trailing 4-1 with the two out in the seventh inning, O’Neal pinch-hit for Brendan Donovan and attempted to score down the right sideline. But O’Neill Cut by Ronald Acuna Jr. On the plate.
On Marmol’s hit to Acuna, O’Neal caused trouble on the third base turn.
“That’s not our style of play, turning the bag over there as far as effort goes,” Marmol said. “It’s unacceptable.”
In the year O’Neal, who has been hampered by foot problems throughout the 2022 season, admitted to having a tense conversation with Marmol about the play, but disagreed with the criticism of the effort.
“He didn’t think I gave it my best effort,” O’Neill said. “Every day I’m out here grinding (my butt), giving it my all and trying to stay here for 160 games.
“Like I said, I’ve got to get a better jump next time and I guess I can get around the bases a little faster and be in there next time.”
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