MLB Ejection 011: Jim Joyce (1; Yordano Ventura)

HP Umpire Jim Joyce ejected Royals P Yordano Ventura for throwing at A's batter Brett Lawrie in the top of the 4th inning of the Athletics-Royals game. With one out and none on, and immediately following a Josh Reddick home run, Lawrie took a 1-0 fastball from Ventura for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Lawrie's left elbow, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 5-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 5-0.

This is Jim Joyce (66)'s first ejection of 2015.
Jim Joyce now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 2).
Crew Chief Jim Joyce now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Prev + 1 Irrecusable = 2).

This is the 11th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 5th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Ventura's line was 3.1 IP, 5 ER.
This is the Royals' first ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL Central (KC 1; CLE, CWS, DET, MIN 0).
This is Yordano (Hernandez) Ventura's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jim Joyce's first ejection since July 26, 2014 (Brad Ausmus; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Kansas City Royals, 4/18/15
Video: Ventura's pay-back plunking produces pertinent punishment as pitcher is sent packing (KC)

MLB Ejection 010: Paul Nauert (1; Collin Cowgill)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Angels LF Collin Cowgill for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Angels-Astros game. With two out and none on, Cowgirl took a 2-2 sinker from Astros pitcher Chad Qualls for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and navel-high (px 0.231, pz 3.097 [sz_top 3.2]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 1-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s first ejection of 2015.
Paul Nauert now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Dana DeMuth now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Prev + 1 Correct = 2).

This is the 10th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 4th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Cowgirl was 0-3 in the contest.
This is the Angels' first ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL West (LAA 1; HOU, OAK, SEA, TEX 0).
This is Collin Cowgill's first career MLB ejection.
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since September 13, 2014 (Matt Joyce; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Houston Astros, 4/18/15
Video: Having struck out looking, Cowgill flips his shinguard into Nauert and is tossed (LAA)

Plate Umpire Brian Knight Leaves Game on Pitch to Head

Umpire Brian Knight left the Phillies-Nationals game after a pitch struck his mask in the top of the 9th inning of the contest. With two out and one on, Knight took a first-pitch fastball from Nationals pitcher Blake Treinen squarely to the protective grill covering his face after the pitch eluded the glove of catcher Jose Lobaton.

Crew Chief Larry Vanover replaced Knight behind home plate for the remainder of the game.

Video: Knight takes a direct shot as a distracted Lobaton completely whiffs on a fastball (WAS)

MLB Ejection 009: Jordan Baker (1; Ubaldo Jimenez)

HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Orioles P Ubaldo Jimenez for throwing at Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Orioles-Red Sox game. With two out and none on, batter Sandoval took a 0-0 fastball from Jimenez for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and shoulder-high (px 2.589, pz 4.616 [sz_top 3.140]), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 1-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Jordan Baker (71)'s first ejection of 2015.
Jordan Baker now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Prev + 1 Correct = 0).

This is the 9th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 3rd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Jimenez's line was 3.2 IP, 0 H, 3 BB.
This is the Orioles' 1st ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, TB 1; BOS, NYY, TOR 0).
This is Ubaldo Jimenez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jordan Baker's first ejection since June 12, 2014 (Tom Runnells; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox, 4/17/15
Video: With a no-hitter intact, Ubaldo throws at Panda and is expelled from the game (BAL)

MLB Ejection 008: Sam Holbrook (1; Joe Maddon)

HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Cubs Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a ball one call in the top of the 7th inning of the Padres-Cubs game. With two out and two on, Padres batter Will Myers took a 0-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Brian Schlitter for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and near the hollow of the knee (px 0.235, pz 1.645 [sz_bot 1.600 / MOE 1.683]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 5-4. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s first ejection of 2015.
Sam Holbrook now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 4).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Prev + 1 Correct = 0).
*This call is correct pursuant to PFX margin-of-error regulations, UEFL Rule 6-2-b-2 (Miller Rule).

This is the 8th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 6th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Cubs' first ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL Central (CHC, CIN, MIL, PIT 1; STL 0).
This is Joe Maddon's first ejection since August 4, 2014 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = N [Check Swing]).
This is Sam Holbrook's first ejection since July 28, 2013 (Jose Bautista; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs, 4/17/15
Video: A balled borderline pitch, followed by a home run, leads to Maddon's early shower (CHC)

MLB Ejection 007: Laz Diaz (1; Kevin Cash)

HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Rays Manager Kevin Cash for arguing a Replay Review decision that confirmed Diaz's hit by pitch call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Rays-Blue Jays game. With none out and two on, Blue Jays batter Josh Donaldson took a 2-2 splitter from Rays pitcher Steve Geltz for a called HBP. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and shoulder-high (px -1.872, pz 4.255 [sz_top 3.45]), and appeared to make contact with Donaldson's gloved left index finger, the HBP call was correct and the ejection was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 4-0. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Laz Diaz (63)'s first ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
Laz Diaz now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 2).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-5 for 2015 states that Replay Review ejections are irrecusable by default nature.
Also Relevant: Close Call of the Week, Hand Part of Basket—Not Base—Ball, Bat (12/17/13)

This is the 7th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 5th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Rays' 1st ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL East (TB 1; BAL, BOS, NYY, TOR 0).
This is Kevin Cash's first ejection since September 7, 2007 (Mike DiMuro; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Laz Diaz's first ejection since September 7, 2014 (Clayton Kershaw; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 4/16/15
Video: When Replay Review confirms the on-field call to load the bases, Cash loses his cool (TB)
Video: Chin music sends Donaldson to first on an unsuccessful challenge; Cash tossed (TOR)

Jerry Layne Leaves Game After Deflected Ball to Mask

A deflected fastball to HP Umpire Jerry Layne's facemask produced a mid-game umpiring change in Pittsburgh Wednesday. With none out and none on on the top of the 9th inning of the Tigers-Pirates game, Tigers batter Miguel Cabrera attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball by Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon, deflected by catcher Francisco Cervelli's glove and into Layne's mask.

Pursuant to MLB protocol concerning blows to the head and possible concussion situations, Layne was removed from the game and replaced at home plate by crewmate and 2B Umpire Bob Davidson as Cabrera was awarded first base on the ball four call.

Video: Layne takes a fastball to the face on Jackie Robinson day, leading to an early exit (DET)

MLB Ejection 006: Alfonso Marquez (1; Terry Collins)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected Mets Manager Terry Collins for arguing a catcher's interference call in the 5th inning of the Phillies-Mets game. With two out and two on, Phillies batter Ryan Howard swung at a 2-2 fastball from Mets pitcher Matt Harvey as catcher Travis d'Arnaud was called for catcher's interference. Replays indicate Howard's bat did not connect with catcher Travis d'Arnaud's glove as it traveled through the hitting zone, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 4-3. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s first ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
Alfonso Marquez now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + -4 Incorrect Call = 4).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 6th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 4th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Mets' 1st ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL East (NYM 1; ATL, MIA, PHI, WAS 0).
This is Terry Collins' first ejection since September 11, 2014 (John Tumpane; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Alfonso Marquez's first ejection since July 2, 2014 (Kevin Long; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets, 4/14/15
Video: After an interference error loads the bases, Collins finds himself tossed from the game (NYM)

MLB Ejection 005: David Rackley (1; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire David Rackley ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a ball three call in the top of the 8th inning of the Tigers-Pirates game. With two out and none on, Tigers batter Yoenis Cespedes took a 2-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Arquimedes Caminero for a called third ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and navel-high (px .209, pz 3.227 [sz_top 3.490]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 1-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is David Rackley (86)'s first ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
David Rackley now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + -4 Incorrect Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 5th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 3rd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Pirates' 1st ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, MIL, PIT 1; CHC, STL 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since July 22, 2014 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = U [Arguing an Ejection]).
This is David Rackley's first ejection since July 21, 2014 (Bryan Price; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/14/15
Video: Hurdle barks too violently from the home dugout, leading to his expulsion in the 8th (PIT)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews, Week 1 (April 6-12, 2015)

MLB umpires experienced 35 instant replay reviews during the week of April 6 - April 12. Games played during this period featured the following MLB Replay Review decisions:

MLB Ejection 004: Joe West (1; Bryan Price)

3B Umpire Joe West ejected Reds Manager Bryan Price for arguing a hit-by-pitch call made by HP Umpire Kerwin Danley in the top of the 8th inning of the Cardinals-Reds game. With none out and one on, Cardinals batter Jon Jay took a 0-0 fastball from Reds pitcher Jumbo Diaz for a hit-by-pitch. Play was challenged and affirmed by UEFL Appeals Board (6-0-0): Replays indicate that after initially showing bunt, Jay pulled his bat back and, in doing so, successfully checked his swing, and that the ball struck Jay on the left foot while he occupied a legal position within the left-handed batter's box (right foot was touching the line of the box; left foot was in the air), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 5-5. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 7-5, in 11 innings.

This is Joe West (22)'s first ejection of the 2015 MLB regular season.
Joe West now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 3).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 4th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 2nd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Reds' 1st ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, MIL 1; CHC, PIT, STL 0).
This is Bryan Price's first ejection since July 21, 2014 (David Rackley; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since March 18, 2015 (AJ Pierzynski; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4/12/15
Video: Price argues Jay not entitled to first base, no challenge for review is filed, Price tossed (CIN)