MLB Ejections 134, 135, 136: Marvin Hudson (2, 3, 4)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg and Manager Davey Johnson for throwing at Braves batter Andrelton Simmons in the bottom of the 2nd inning and Nationals RF Scott Hairston

Strasburg leaves the field without saying a word.

for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 9th inning of the Nationals-Braves game. In the bottom of the 1st, Strasburg surrendered a lead-off home run to Braves batter Jason Heyward. With Justin Upton immediately following, on the first pitch to Upton, Strasburg hit him with a 97-mph fastball, resulting in warnings from Umpire Hudson. In the bottom of the second, with none out and one on, Strasburg threw two consecutive fastballs behind Simmons, resulting in his and Manager Johnson's ejections, the ejections were irrecusable. In the top of the 9th, with one out and none on, Hairston took a 2-2 fastball from Braves pitcher David Carpenter for a called third strike.

Broadcast: he's "got a beef" just as PFX shows K.

Replays indicate that all called pitches during the at bat were correctly officiated and the called third strike was located knee high and over the heart of home plate (sz_bot 1.480, pz 1.526), the call was correct. At the time of Strasburg and Johnson's ejections, the Nationals were leading, 4-2.* At the time of Hairston's ejection, the Nationals were leading, 7-5. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 8-7, in 15 innings.

These are Marvin Hudson (51)'s 2nd/3rd/4th ejections of 2013.
Marvin Hudson now has 6 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Wally Bell now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 + 3 Irrecusable/Correct Call = 7).
*Pursuant to OBR Rule 9.01(d), the run scored prior to ejection: "If an umpire disqualifies a player while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall not take effect until no further action is possible in that play."

These are the 134th, 135th and 136th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 63rd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the 59th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Strasburg's line was 1.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, HBP, HR.
This is the 60th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Hairston was 1-5 in the contest.
This is the Nationals' 6/7/8th ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL East (WAS 8; ATL 7; NYM, PHI 4; MIA 2).
This is Stephen Strasburg's first career MLB ejection.
This is Davey Johnson's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since July 25, 2013 (Mike Winters; QOC = Correct).
This is Scott Hairston's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since July 1, 2010 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = N/A).
This is Marvin Hudson's first ejection since August 1, 2013 (Troy Tulowitzki; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves, 8/17/13
Video: Strasburg's third consecutive wild pitch overall results in a run and automatic ejection (ATL)
Video: Sequence of Strasburg's HBP of Upton, three consecutive wild pitches and speechless EJ (WAS)
Video: Hairston takes a 2-2 heater at the knees to earn a strikeout, argues to earn an ejection (WAS)

MLB Ejections 132, 133: Davidson, Muchlinski (1, 1)

1B Umpire Bob Davidson ejected Tigers Manager Jim Leyland for arguing a foul ball no call by HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski and HP Umpire Muchlinski ejected Tigers catcher Brayan Pena for unsportsmanlike-NEC (repeat visit) in the top of the 4th inning of the Royals-Tigers game. With none out and one on, Royals batter

Leyland jaws with Muchlinski after his ejection.

Alcides Escobar attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 curveball from Tigers pitcher Doug Fister. Replays indicate Escobar's bat made contact with the baseball after it bounced in the dirt, the call was incorrect; As Pena was ejected during ensuing action following Leyland's ejection during a visit with Davidson, his ejection is irrecusable. At the time of Leyland's ejection, the Tigers were leading, 3-2. At the time of Pena's ejection, the contest was tied, 3-3. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Bob Davidson (61)'s first ejection of 2013.
This is Mike Muchlinski (76)'s first ejection of 2013.
Bob Davidson now has 0 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 0).
Mike Muchlinski now has 3 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 + 1 Irrecusable Call = 6).

These are the 132nd and 133rd ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 63rd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the 58th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Carp was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Tigers' 7th/8th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS, KC 3; MIN 2).
This is Jim Leyland's 3rd ejection of 2013 and first since July 28, 2013 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = Correct).
This is Brayan Pena's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since September 4, 2007 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = U).
This is Bob Davidson's first ejection since September 19, 2012 (Jordany Valdespin; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Mike Muchlinski's first ejection since May 11, 2012 (Eric Hinske; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 8/17/13
Video: Following a foul ball no call that leads to a two base pass ball, Leyland, Pena tossed (DET)

Ask the UEFL: Minor League Umpiring Procedure

The newest "Ask the UEFL" feature pertains to umpiring in Minor League Baseball. Steven writes:

(1) What say the Minor League rules regarding waiting to call the resumption of a suspended game in the visitor's city early, with a consequence of postponing the regularly scheduled game?
Reference: Las Vegas 51s vs. Sacramento River Cats, 7/28/13 & SAC-LV, 7/29/13
Original start date (suspended game): 05/06/13 (in Sacramento)
(2) By the way, what say the same rules, if anything, about replacing umpires possibly on the MLB fill-in list (Jordan Ferrell, I believe, specifically)/general vacations?
Reference: Las Vegas 51s vs. Salt Lake Bees, 8/16/13

Jonathan expressed a similar sentiment, adding: "Why do MiLB doubleheaders go just 7 innings, not 9?"

(1) Minor League convention, though similar to Major League guidelines, allows for the shortening of a game in the event of a doubleheader, generally two seven inning games instead of the full nine. Pursuant to OBR Rule 4.10(a), "National Association leagues may adopt a rule providing that one or both games of a doubleheader shall be seven innings in length." The "National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues" (NAPBL) is the former name of the governing entity now known as Minor League Baseball.

Rule 4.11(d): "A called game ends at the moment the umpire terminates play, unless it becomes a suspended game pursuant to Rule 4.12(a)."

Rule 4.12(a) contains several provisions exclusive to NAPBL or MiLB ball (a game is suspended when—):

(7) The game has not become a regulation game (4 1⁄2 innings with the home team ahead, or 5 innings with the visiting club ahead or tied).

(8) If a game is suspended before it becomes a regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game shall be seven innings in length. See the exception described in Rule 4.10(a).

(9) If a game is suspended after it is a regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game shall be a nine-inning game.

In regards to suspending play during the resumption of a suspended game, each delay occurs on its own merits and all games—whether regularly scheduled or the resumption of a suspended affair—are subject to Rule 4.12(a) Note, which states, in part, "Weather and similar conditions—Rules 4.12(a)(1) through 4.12(a)(5)— shall take precedence in determining whether a called game shall be a suspended game." If a game, however, "has progressed far enough to have been a regulation game pursuant to Rule 4.10(c)," it shall be called and terminated and the final score approved. In the event of Vegas-Sacramento on July 28, the "wind delay" effected the administration of Game 2 of the doubleheader, though the first game was played to regulation, a 13-4 score after 7 innings.

(2) In Salt Lake, PCL umpires Chris Segal and Kolin Kline worked with 3B Umpire Randy Upton, a local official who has previously worked collegiate games at the University of Utah and other locations in the southwestern United States. Prior to the crew's appearance in Salt Lake, Kline and Segal worked in Colorado Springs with Rocky Mountain Athletic and PCL alum umpire Ted Bergquist.

When Angel Campos worked his last game June 28, 2013 before succumbing to an apparent concussion injury, local California umpire Greg Schoonard filled in at third base with crewmates Nick Bailey and Greg Stanzak. He remained at third through June 30 before Bailey and Stanzak traveled to Las Vegas, where they were joined by Lance Barrett, returning from his MLB stint.

Because the Triple-A call-up umpires most likely to work MLB contests are generally assigned as fourth-man rovers that create temporary four-man crews out of three-umpire teams, most absences by virtue of a call-up umpire getting "the call" have the sole effect of taking a four-man crew down to three. Still, the situation occasionally arises, whether through injury or other absence, that an otherwise three-person crew finds itself missing an umpire (though Ferrell was not on the call-up list).

Until MiLB is ready to officially promote an umpire from Double-A or another lower league, the League at its discretion may assign emergency replacement umpires, effectively creating a MiLB "fill-in" system similar to yet distinct from that used at the Major League level.

If you have a question for the UEFL, send us an e-mail (info at closecallsports dot com) or visit our Ejection/Report form, selecting the "Misc. Rules Question" or "Other Discussion Request" submission type.

MLB Ejection 131: Bill Welke (3; Mike Carp)

HP Umpire Bill Welke ejected Red Sox PH Mike Carp for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Yankees-Red Sox game. With two out and two on, Carp took a 3-2 slider from Yankees pitcher

Carp expresses disbelief as Welke rules K3.

Shawn Kelley for a called third strike. Earlier in the at bat, Carp took a 1-2 slider in the dirt for a ball/HBP. After umpire crew conference, the ball call was upheld. Replays indicate the 3-2 pitch was located belt high and off the outer edge of home plate (px -1.121), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 7-3. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 10-3.

This is Bill Welke (52)'s third ejection of 2013.
Bill Welke now has -6 points in the UEFL (-4 + 2 MLB + -4 N = -6).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).

This is the 131st ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 57th Manager ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Carp was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Red Sox's 8th ejection of 2013, T-1st in the AL East (BOS, TOR 8; BAL, TB 5; NYY 2).
This is Mike Carp's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 5, 2013 (Andy Fletcher; QOC = Correct).
This is Bill Welke's first ejection since July 6, 2013 (Mike Redmond; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, 8/16/13
Video: Following controversial HBP no call, strike 3 call, Carp spikes helmet and is calmly tossed (BOS)

MLB Instant Replay Expansion '14: Challenges, HQ Review

MLB announced plans to greatly expand instant replay in 2014, introducing manager challenges and a review system that will send challenged plays to MLB headquarters in New York for review.

According to Commissionner Bud Selig's announcement, the plan includes the following features:
» 3 Challenges per game, per team, split into 1 challenge for innings 1-6 and 2 for innings 7 and beyond.
» Plays other than HBP/foul and balls/strikes calls will be eligible for review. To initiate a review, the manager will file a challenge with either the home plate umpire or crew chief. Final decisions would be routed through the crew chief.
» When a challenge is filed, the umpires will contact MLB HQ in NY, which will make the final ruling. » Working the review room will be a to-be-named-later "crew" comprised of persons with umpiring experience who may be retired or active.
» Any play that would otherwise be reviewable via instant replay cannot be argued
» Any play that would otherwise not be reviewable via instant replay can still be argued.
» The HR review process will remain the same with review conducted in-Stadium.

Review may now run straight
through New York MLB HQ.

Braves president John Scheurholz, a member of MLB's instant replay sub-committee with Executive VP Joe Torre and advisor Tony La Russa, said arguing a reviewable play—whether or not that play was challenged and went to review and regardless of the result of any potential review—will be grounds for ejection.

The proposal still awaits approval from three key stakeholders, who all will discuss and vote on the item this offseason. The owners must approve the plan with a 75 percent vote while both the players' association and World Umpires Association also must agree to any deviation from the current system of review on home run and boundary calls.

If all goes according to plan, umpires will begin receiving training in the new system during the 2013 Arizona Fall League and 2014 Spring Training periods.

The latest instant replay proposal follows consecutive years of failure to expand the system, despite extensive testing, proposals and statements to the contrary.

In February, Torre admitted replay would not expand in 2013, putting off the decision to "next year." Torre's statement followed a Bud Selig mid-2012 interview during which the Commissioner stated he envisioned a 2013 expansion to catch vs. trap plays and fair/foul bullets down the line.

Prior to the 2012 season, a proposed labor deal including expanded instant replay review failed to pass despite a proposed labor deal to expand the technology to cover fair/foul and catch/no catch calls.

Added Selig, "it's a historic day."

MLB Ejection 130: Doug Eddings (2; Bob Melvin)

2B Umpire Doug Eddings ejected Athletics Manager Bob Melvin for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Astros-A's game. With one out and one on, A's batter Nate Freiman hit a 0-0 fastball from

Eddings rules Sogard made the third out at 3B.

Astros pitcher Kevin Chapman in the air to center fielder Brandon Barnes, who caught and threw the fly ball to third baseman Matt Dominguez as baserunner R2 Eric Sogard attempted to tag up and advance via a head-first slide. Replays indicate Dominguez's glove grazed Sogard's person prior to Sogard's hand contacting third base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 11 innings.

This is Doug Edding (88)'s second ejection of 2013.
Doug Eddings now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 8).
Dana DeMuth now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 8).

This is the 130th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 62nd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Athletics' 6th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL West (OAK 6; TEX 3; LAA 2; SEA 1; HOU 0).
This is Bob Melvin's 4th ejection of 2013 and first since May 14, 2013 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = Correct).
This is Doug Eddings' first ejection since July 7, 2013 (B.J. Upton; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics, 8/14/13
Video: Barnes throws out Sogard to the dismay of Oakland; Melvin tossed in efficient fashion (HOU)
Video: After inches-close double play to end the frame, Melvin argues and is tossed by, "Guess who!" (OAK)
Related Video: Earlier in the game, Melvin disputes a safe call from Eddings at second (pulled foot; OAK)

Inconclusive: Eddings' Foul HR Call Upheld After IR Review

Umpires upheld a foul ball (no-HR) call in Oakland after A's batter Chris Young nearly walked off the Houston Astros with a 0-1 screamer to deep left field in the bottom of the 9th inning of a 5-4 Astros-A's game. With two out and the tying run on base, Young hit a 0-1 curveball from Astros pitcher Chia-Jen Lo beyond the left field corner and into the seats.

The flight of the ball near the left foul pole.

Initially ruled a foul ball by 3B Umpire Doug Eddings, the umpires elected to review the play via video replay; Eddings was joined in umpires' room by 2B Umpire Paul Nauert and HP Umpire and crew chief Dana DeMuth. After a multi-minute review, the umpires upheld the foul ball call and play resumed with an 0-2 count. Young struck out on the very next pitch to end the game.

While the Oakland broadcast quickly ruled the play a home run, the umpires may have been hurt by the camera angle provided, in which the camera appears to zoom in on the baseball as it dropped along the foul pole, effectively exaggerating any visual separation that existed between the ball and the pole, so as to potentially create an illusion of the ball changing trajectory as all objects became larger on the monitor.

As the ball falls to the stairs, the
camera zooms in on the action,
creating an illusion of a potential
exaggerated change in trajectory.

In other words, as the camera zoomed in, the foul pole grew in pixelated size and so did the baseball. Logically, the space between the baseball and the foul pole itself also grew in pixelated size, which effectively created a visually exaggerated change in trajectory. Whether the ball grazed the pole or not, the umpires' ability to form a proper and fitting conclusion was hindered by the camera's zoom action.

Without clear and convincing evidence with which to suggest Eddings' initial call was wrong, DeMuth elected to uphold the foul ball call.

This is not the first time Dana DeMuth's crew has had to officiate a close or controversial boundary call involving instant replay.

On August 17, 2011, 2B Umpire DeMuth ruled a home run in Kansas City and upheld the call after consulting instant replay review, much to the chagrin of opposing Yankees manager Joe Girardi and other Yankees personnel. According to media at Kauffman Stadium after the game, MLB Umpire Supervisor Steve Palermo allegedly walked with DeMuth, Kerwin Danley, Eddings and Chad Fairchild to left field, within several feet of the earlier HR ball. One media report stated Palermo appeared to be "chewing them out."

The next day, MLB Executive Vice President Joe Torre stated that DeMuth "misunderstood" the Kauffman Stadium ground rules and had, both before and after using instant replay, made the incorrect call.

On May 8, 2013, Hernandez ejected A's Manager Bob Melvin after failing to overturn a 9th inning in-play (double) call during the A's 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Replays appeared to indicate the fly ball struck a railing atop the outfield wall, while scribe Peter Gammons accused interim crew chief Hernandez of deliberately upholding the call in protest of instant replay.

When replay was introduced in 2008, DeMuth stated his philosophy: "If my crew member says, 'I know that hit the foul pole, I know it without a doubt in my mind, I heard it, I saw it, this absolutely happened,' well, I'm absolutely going to trust my crew member and say that call stays...Foul, fair, that call stays. That's our job."

DeMuth added, "If my crew shows me without a doubt in their mind that they made the right call, I'm sticking with it. I won't even use [instant replay]."

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics, 8/14/13
Video: Initially ruled foul, umpires uphold the decision after consulting instant replay review (OAK)

MLB Ejection 129: Ron Kulpa (1; AJ Pierzynski)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Rangers C A.J. Pierzynski for arguing a ball three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Rangers-Astros game. With two out and none on, Villar took a 2-2 slider from Rangers pitcher

Kulpa rules a ball on a low pitch.

Yu Darvish for a called third ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the hollow of the batter's knee and over the heart of home plate (sz_bot 1.540, pz 1.478) while the ball 1 (px 0.518; pz 0.044), 2 (-1.220; 2.640) and 4 (0.014; 0.531) pitches were also correctly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 2-0. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s first ejection of 2013.
Ron Kulpa now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 4).
Tom Hallion now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).

This is the 129th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 56th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Pierzynski was 2-3 in the contest.
This is the Rangers' 3rd ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 5; TEX 3; LAA 2; SEA 1; HOU 0).
This is A.J. Pierzynski's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since Aug 25, 2012 (Lance Barrett; QOC = U).
This is Ron Kulpa's first ejection since May 29, 2011 (Matt Kemp/Don Mattingly; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros, 8/12/13
Video: Kulpa tosses AJ for arguing a ball call during a perfecto-breaking up walk (TEX)

Obstruction: To B or Not 2B, or Whose Time is it Anyway?

Umpire Adam Hamari ruled obstruction Sunday as Joe West contained Reds Manager Dusty Baker in a case of a wild pickoff throw turning into an extra base, courtesy of Cincinnati's premature play termination.

With one out and Padres baserunner Will Venable on second base, Reds pitcher Mike Leake attempted to pick off R2, but instead threw the ball into shallow center field as shortstop Cesar Izturis lunged after the errant throw in vain, landing on top of Venable, who had slid head-first back into second base. Venable, realizing his situation, attempted to rise and advance as Izturis delayed and impeded his progress, drawing an obstruction call from 2B Umpire Hamari.

CF Shin-Soo Choo retrieves the loose ball as
players stop playing during a live ball
obstruction call by 2B Umpire Adam Hamari.

Obstruction is the act of a fielder not in possession of nor in the act of fielding a ball impedes the progress of a runner.

Rule 2.00 (Obstruction) Comment clarifies when a fielder may considered in the act of fielding a ball, stating that after a fielder has attempted to field a ball, he is no longer in the act of fielding the ball. As example, the rule cites the hypothetical: "an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner."

Question: Replays indicate Izturis obstructed Venable, but did Hamari rule Type A or Type B, defined by Rule 7.06?

(a) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judg- ment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction.

(b) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. 

Answer: As specified above, the key criterion to consider is whether a play was being made on the obstructed runner at the time of his obstruction. Even though Venable was the only runner on base at the time of obstruction, the ball was loose in the outfield and a play was not being made on the runner at the time of obstruction. This is an example of Type B obstruction (also MLBUM 41.2-3).

Replays indicate Hamari correctly identified the latter version of obstruction by pointing at the infraction and keeping the ball alive and in play (had this been "A" obstruction, Hamari would have raised both hands, as in calling "Time"). However, both Venable and the Reds fielders' actions indicate the players improperly believed the ball was dead at the moment of obstruction.

Had Cincinnati realized the ball remained alive during the officiated 'B' obstruction, an out likely could have been recorded (however had Venable realized the live ball situation, he likely would have remained at 2B).

Whose Time is it Anyway? Not the umpires', who correctly kept play alive until Venable reached third.

Video: Hamari rules obstruction on Izzy, but called interference on Cedeno by the online editor (SD)

Ask the UEFL: Patton Substitution to Start the Seventh

Welcome to "Ask the UEFL," our newest Umpire Odds & Ends series in which Close Call Sports answers your rules-related questions. We're presently in baseball season, so Q1 comes to us about the MLB. Greg writes:

"O's pitcher Troy Patton took warm up pitches [to begin the bottom of the 7th inning of Sunday's Orioles-Giants game], then Buck Showalter came out to replace him before he faced a batter. Rule 3.05(d). States that a pitcher that crosses the foul line must pitch to atleast one batter, unless a sub. is put in."

Rule 3.05(d) states (the underlined portion refers to a rules change for the 2013 season):

If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for, or the pitcher sustains an injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, incapacitates him from pitching. If the pitcher ends the previous inning on base or at bat and does not return to the dugout after the inning is completed, the pitcher is not required to pitch to the first batter of the inning until he makes contact with the pitcher’s plate to begin his warm-up pitches.

As such, we refer to the top of the 7th inning. With two out and none on, Patton batted and made the final out on a bunt ground out to Giants pitcher Matt Cain, ending the top half of the inning. As "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" blared, Patton climbed the mound and warmed up for the bottom of the 7th as Brett Pill emerged from the Giants dugout to lead off for the scheduled #9 hitter Matt Cain. After Pill was announced 25 seconds before the inning was set to begin pursuant to MLB directive, Showalter emerged from the visitor's dugout to replace Patton with Tommy Hunter.

Answer: The umpires got this right because Pill became Cain's substitute batter, though Patton did indeed return to the Orioles' first base dugout during the half-inning break.

If you have a question for the UEFL, send us an e-mail (info at closecallsports dot com) or visit our Ejection/Report form, selecting the "Misc. Rules Question" or "Other Discussion Request" submission type.

MLB Ejection 128: Vic Carapazza (4; Asdrubal Cabrera)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Angels-Indians game. With none out and none on, Cabrera took a 1-1 curveball from

Carapazza considers Cabrera's complaint.

Angels pitcher Jerome Williams for a called second strike before striking out swinging on the following 1-2 cutter. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located knee high and over the heart of home plate (sz_bot 1.570, pz 1.581), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 4-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Vic Carapazza (85)'s fourth ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
Vic Carapazza now has 10 points in the UEFL (6 + 2 + 2 = 10).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 128th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 55th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Cabrera was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Indians' 6th ejection of 2013, T-1st in the AL Central (CLE, DET 6; CWS, KC 3; MIN 2).
This is Asdrubal Cabrera's 1st ejection of 2013, first since Aug 29, 2012 (Gary Darling; QOC = Correct).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since August 2, 2013 (Jimmy Rollins; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Cleveland Indians, 8/11/13
Video: Asbrubal strikes out swinging before being thrown out for unsportsmanlike jawing (CLE)