DETROIT -- Umpires across Major League Baseball are wearing white wristbands on Saturday to protest "escalating verbal attacks" and the lack of response by commissioner Rob Manfred.
The catalyst appears to be comments made by Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler about umpire Angel Hernandez Tuesday in Texas.
UPDATE: Brad Ausmus fumes at 'petty' umpire protest; Ian Kinsler refuses to back down
The World Umpires Association, which announced the protest just before the start of the Tigers' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, said Kinsler had "publicly and harshly impugned the character and integrity" of Hernandez.
After being ejected for arguing a strike call on Monday night, Kinsler spoke out to reporters a day later, saying the veteran umpire "needs to find another job" and just "go away."
Kinsler was fined an undisclosed amount but not suspended for his comments. "I just speak the truth and whatever happens, happens," Kinsler said Friday.
The WUA, the union representing MLB umpires, said the "lenient treatment to an abusive player" sends the wrong message.
"It's 'open season' on umpires and that's bad for the game," the union said in its statement.
Second base umpire and crew chief Bill Miller and third base umpire Todd Tichenor wore white wristbands during Saturday's game at Comerica Park. Home plate umpire Adam Hamari and first base umpire Chris Segal did not.
Hernandez, 55, is currently suing Major League Baseball for discrimination, alleging he has been passed over for World Series assignments due to his Cuban ancestry.