Ashcraft’s stare-down of Yanks sets ‘tone’ for Reds

NEW YORK —

They had a brief reprieve when Porter returned to the umpires clubhouse to retrieve a shin guard. Being a rookie making the $740,000 minimum, Spiers decided to peel off first.

“Thinking about the fine and knowing that I couldn’t afford it,” he said. “So I just made a business decision.”

New York’s pitchers, both on the injured list, finally walked off after manager Aaron Boone gestured for them to leave.

“A little competition within the game, I guess,” Poteet said. “That’s probably the first one I’ve ever been a part of but it took all the way to the very last bit where it’s getting close to the game starting.”

Ashcraft, in his third major league season, has a slightly higher salary at $750,000. He started and got the win in Tuesday’s series opener and wasn’t going to pitch in Thursday’s game.

“We saw they weren’t moving and one of the guys told Carson to stay, and I was like, ‘I’m staying with you because I’m not moving,'” Ashcraft said. “‘I ain’t got nothing to do today. I’m staying until I win or I get ejected or both.'”