Walker Buehler’s return from the injured list Tuesday lasted less than three innings, as the Boston Red Sox right-hander was ejected from his start against the visiting New York Mets for arguing balls and strikes.

Facing Juan Soto, Buehler was called for two balls to start the at-bat and Francisco Lindor stole second. After Lindor’s steal, Buehler began yelling and pointing at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook, who soon ejected him.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora came out to defend Buehler and was ejected by Estabrook as well.

Boston sent in reliever Brennan Bernardino as Buehler finished his night with two walks, two hit batters and four strikeouts over 2 1/3 hitless innings.

Earlier in the day, the Red Sox activated Buehler from the 15-day IL. He had last pitched for the Red Sox on April 26; he was scratched from his next start due to right shoulder issues, and ensuing tests revealed he had bursitis in the shoulder.

Buehler, 30, pitched a three-inning simulated game on Thursday and indicated he fared well and was ready to return.

Buehler has started six games during his first campaign with the Red Sox. He came into Tuesday’s start with a 4-1 record, 4.28 ERA and 29 strikeouts against nine walks in 33 2/3 innings.

Boston optioned right-hander Nick Burdi to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. The 32-year-old made two appearances and pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings for Boston.

A member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization until signing with Boston as a free agent last December, Buehler has undergone two Tommy John surgeries during his career, and the latter one in 2022 caused him to miss the entire 2023 season and make his 2024 debut in May.

Buehler last made it through a full season without issue in 2021 when he made a career-high 33 starts, which led the major leagues that season. He went 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA that season and was selected to the MLB All-Star Game for the second time with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

–Field Level Media