DETROIT -- Umpires are wearing white wristbands on Saturday to protest "escalating verbal attacks" and the lack of response by Major League Baseball.
The World Umpires Association announced the protest in a statement.
The catalyst for the protest appears to be comments made by Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler about umpire Angel Hernandez earlier this week in Texas.
After being ejected for arguing a strike call, Kinsler said Hernandez, a 26-year veteran, "needs to find another job."
Kinsler was fined but not suspended for his comments. "I just speak the truth and whatever happens, happens," Kinsler said Friday.