Cubs’ Nico Hoerner Reveals 6-Word Message to Umpire After Ejection originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs (40-25) are in first place in the NL Central and are the NL’s second seed, but their offense disappeared for part of their series vs. the Detroit Tigers (43-24). They lost 3-1 on Friday, won 6-1 on Saturday, and lost 4-0 on Sunday.

The squad totaled just four hits in the latter contest, and second baseman Nico Hoerner got ejected by home plate umpire Derek Thomas for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the fifth inning.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson hit a leadoff double with the Cubs down 2-0 to start the frame before Hoerner came up. The 28-year-old worked a 2-2 count before taking a pitch low and inside, which Thomas incorrectly called a third strike. 

Hoerner revealed what he said to Thomas before getting tossed, via Marquee Sports Network.

“I said, ‘You’re having a really bad day,'” the 5-foot-11-inch, 200-pounder said. He finished the game 0-for-2 and was replaced by backup Vijal Brujan, who went 0-for-1.

Hoerner is now slashing .286/.331/.357 with 28 RBI over 61 games.

“I said, ‘You’re having a really bad day.'”

Nico Hoerner discloses what he said to Derek Thomas before being ejected. pic.twitter.com/5EVpv2ARpN

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 8, 2025

Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty tossed a six-inning shutout with two hits and nine strikeouts against three walks in 94 pitches. The right-hander bested Cubs hurler Caleb Horton, who coughed up four runs on seven hits in five innings while adding six strikeouts and two walks.

Chicago will continue its road trip against the Philadelphia Phillies (37-28) on Monday before hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates (26-40), Milwaukee Brewers (35-31), and the Seattle Mariners (32-31).

Southpaw pitcher Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs on Monday.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.