Culbreth Suspended; Johnson, Welke & O'Nora Fined for Pitching Change Fiasco

Fieldin Culbreth was suspended and umpires Adrian Johnson, Bill Welke & Brian O'Nora fined after incorrectly applying baseball rules regarding pitching changes during the Angels' 6-5 win at Houston on Thursday night.

Culbreth and crew's conference concerning changes.

As explained in "Angels Protest After Wright Exists Without Throwing a Pitch," the umpiring crew improperly allowed a replacement pitcher who was not injured to exit the ballgame without firing a single pitch, much to the chagrin of Angels Manager Mike Scioscia, who argued vehemently but to no avail. Rule 3.05(b) requires such a pitcher to face at least one batter or record the third out, whichever comes first.

MLB announced the discipline as a press release, explaining that because Culbreth was the crew chief during this episode of rules misapplication, he received both a two-game suspension and a fine. As crewmates, Johnson, Welke and O'Nora were fined, but not suspended. Astros skipper Bo Porter apologized while Scioscia largely refrained from comment.

The press release also stated that the Office of the Commission would determine the dates of Culbreth's two-game suspension. On Friday night, Culbreth was the plate umpire in Tampa Bay with his fully intact crew.

Video: Scioscia files protest after alleging umpires, Porter guilty of rules book misconduct (LAA, 5/9/13)