MLB Ejection 075: Mark Ripperger (1; Chip Hale)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Diamondbacks Manager Chip Hale for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Mets-Diamondbacks game. With two out and none on, Diamondbacks batter Paul Goldschmidt took a 3-2 fastball from Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.083, pz 2.476), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 1-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s first ejection of 2015.
Mark Ripperger now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = 0).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 7 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 7).

This is the 75th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the D-Backs' 1st ejection of 2015, T-4th in the NL West (SD 7; LAD 5; COL 3; ARI, SF 1).
This is Chip Hale's first ejection since March 23, 2015 (Tom Woodring; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Mark Ripperger's first ejection since August 27, 2014 (Ron Roenicke; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6/6/15
Video: Hale earns his first regular season ejection as manager for disputing a called third strike (ARI)

How to Illegally Block the Plate with the Bases Loaded

Home Plate Umpire Tom Hallion's out call was overturned via Rule 7.13 in Philadelphia Thursday evening, giving Cincinnati the go-ahead run in the top of the 5th inning after a bases-loaded ground ball to short turned into a bang-bang tag play at home.

With one out and three on, Reds batter Todd Frazier hit a 0-2 curveball from Phillies pitcher Aaron Harang on the ground to shortstop Freddy Galvis, who threw to catcher Carlos Ruiz as Reds baserunner Anthony DeSclafani attempted to score, ruled an out by PU Hallion. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Reds Manager Bryan Price, Hallion's out call was overturned and Cincinnati awarded a run on the interference error by Ruiz.

According to home plate collision Rule 7.13(2) [2015 OBR Rule 6.01(i)(2)], "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Not withstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) (Rule 7.13(2)) if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder). In addition, a catcher without possession of the ball shall not be adjudged to violate this Rule 6.01(i)(2) (Rule 7.13(2)) if the runner could have avoided the collision with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) by sliding."

Amended for the 2015 season, the final line of Rule 7.13(2) [6.01(i)(2)] states, "This Rule 6.01(i)(2) (Rule 7.13(2)) shall not apply to force plays at home plate."

MLB opted to remove Rule 7.13(2) from applying to force plays at home after Mike DiMuro's out call on June 18, 2014 was overturned when then-Pirates catcher Russell Martin stood on home plate to field a throw with the bases loaded and a force at home. At the time, MLB wrote the decision to lift the Rule 7.13(2) restriction from force plays at home would only apply to such obstructive force plays where the catcher requires access to home plate to complete the force out tag of home plate.

Replays indicate Ruiz did not tag home plate and instead tagged the baserunner, which, by strict interpretation of MLB's rule change in 2014, may cause the provision removing Rule 7.13(2)'s applicability to such a play to be itself inapplicable, subjecting Ruiz to being called for blocking access to home plate in violation of Rule 7.13(2). Had Ruiz's foot instead been positioned atop home plate for the purposes of tagging the actual rubber slab (as in the DiMuro/Martin play), the Replay Review outcome likely would have been different.

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 6/4/15
Video: After review, New York declares a violation of 7.13, the rarest replay reversal in baseball (CIN)

MLB Ejection 074: Brian Gorman (1; Buck Showalter)

HP Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Orioles Manager Buck Showalter for arguing strike calls in the top of the second inning of the Orioles-Astros game. With two out and none on, Orioles batter Ryan Flaherty took a 1-2 fastball from Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel for a called third strike. Replays indicate the preceding 1-1 pitch ruled strike two was located off the outer edge of home plate and belt-high (px -1.363, pz 2.568), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 1-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Brian Gorman (9)'s first ejection of 2015.
Brian Gorman now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 1).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 11).

This is the 74th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 33rd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Orioles' 4th ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL East (BAL 4; BOS 3; TB 2; NYY 1; TOR 0).
This is Buck Showalter's first ejection since August 10, 2014 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Brian Gorman's first ejection since September 10, 2013 (Jim Leyland; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Houston Astros, 6/4/15
Video: Showalter disputes Gorman's purportedly wide zone, leading to an under-the-radar ejection (BAL)

MLB Ejection 073: James Hoye (2; Dan Jennings)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Marlins Manager Dan Jennings for arguing a ball four (check swing) call made by 1B Umpire John Hirschbeck in the top of the 8th inning of the Cubs-Marlins game. With two out and none on, Cubs batter David Ross attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Marlins pitcher Carter Capps. Play was reviewed and reversed by the UEFL Appeals Board (2-6-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 7-3. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is James Hoye (92)'s second ejection of 2015.
James Hoye now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 2 MLB + ?-Crewmate = ?).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has ? points in Crew Division (10 Previous + ? Call = ?).
(Appeals Board plays do not display league points.)

This is the 73rd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 32nd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Marlins' 1st ejection of 2015, T-4th in the NL East (WAS 5; ATL, NYM 2; MIA, PHI 1).
This is Dan Jennings' first career MLB ejection.
This is James Hoye's first ejection since April 19, 2015 (Bud Black; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins, 6/3/15
Video: After a walk to Ross, Jennings exits the dugout to argue and is tossed on his way to home (MIA)

MLB Ejections 071-072: Will Little (1-2; Zunino, McClendon)

1B Umpire Will Little ejected Mariners C Mike Zunino and Manager Lloyd McClendon for arguing a ball four (check swing) call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Yankees-Mariners game. With two out and one on, Yankees batter Alex Rodriguez attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 changeup from Mariners pitcher Mike Montgomery, ruled no swing by HP Umpire Mike DiMuro and affirmed by Little. Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-2-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

These are Will Little (93)'s first and second ejections of 2015.
Will Little now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + ?] = ?).
Crew Chief Phil Cuzzi now has ? points in Crew Division (0 Previous + ? Call = ?).
(Appeals Board plays do not display league points.)

These are the 71st and 72nd ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 35th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Zunino was 0-0 in the contest.
This is the 31st Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Mariners' 3/4th ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL West (SEA 4; OAK, TEX 2; HOU, LAA 1).
This is Mike Zunino's first career MLB ejection.
This is Lloyd McClendon's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since April 26 (Sean Barber; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Will Little's first ejection since August 26, 2014 (Andre Ether; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners, 6/2/15
Video: Lloyd argues with Will, Phil, Mike DiMuro & Tony Randazzo after getting the boot (SEA)

MLB Ejections 069-070: Joe West (2-3; Holliday, Matheny)

HP Umpire Joe West ejected Cardinals LF Matt Holliday and Manager Mike Matheny for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Brewers-Cardinals game. With none out and one on, Holliday took a 1-2 cutter from Brewers pitcher Tyler Cravy for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -1.096, pz 2.587), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

These are Joe West (22)'s second and third ejections of 2015.
Joe West now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect] = 0).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 9 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 9).

These are the 69th and 70th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 34th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Holliday was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 30th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Cardinals' 1/2nd ejection of 2015, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN, MIL 3; CHC, STL 2; PIT 1).
This is Matt Holliday's first ejection since August 5, 2014 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Matheny's first ejection since August 1, 2014 (Will Little; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since April 12, 2015 (Bryan Price; QOC = Y-C [HBP/Foul]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6/2/15
Video: A called third strike ends Holliday's streak and, after continued complaining, his night (STL)
Video: Frustrated at losing his 45-game on-base streak, Holliday pleads the 5th to reporter's question (STL)

MLB Ejections 067-068: Dan Iassogna (1-2; Kemp, Black)

HP Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Padres RF Matt Kemp and Manager Bud Black for arguing a strike one call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Mets-Padres game. With none out and none on, Kemp took a 2-0 fastball from Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px .811, pz 1.926 [sz_bot 1.710]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the Mets were leading, 7-0. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 7-0.

These are Dan Iassogna (58)'s first and second ejections of 2015.
Dan Iassogna now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct] = 10).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has -2 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 2 Correct Call = -2).

These are the 67th and 68th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 33rd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Kemp was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 29th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Padres' 6/7th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL West (SD 7; LAD 5; COL 3; SF 1; ARI 0).
This is Matt Kemp's 2nd ejection of 2015, first since April 25 (Marty Foster; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Bud Black's 3rd ejection of 2015, first since April 19 (James Hoye; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Dan Iassogna's first ejection since March 12, 2015 (Fredi Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres, 6/1/15
Video: Upset with a 2-0 pitch ruled strike 1, Kemp continues complaining for an early shower (SD)

MLB Ejections & Replay Stats Through May 31, 2015

MLB Ejection & Instant Replay Review Statistics and Umpire Sabermetrics through May 2015 are now available. Visit 2014's Instant Replay Review Statistics 101: Week 1 Sabermetrics for an introduction to Ejection & Replay Review definitions and terms, including Review Affirmation Percentage (RAP), also known as QOC (Quality of Correctness), Replay Percentage of Success (RPS), alternatively, 1.000 - RAP = RPS, and Manager's Challenge Success Percentage (CSP). Also included is Team Success Percentage (TSP), which includes all Replay Reviews; both Manager's Challenges and Crew Chief Reviews.

The following presentation includes summaries and detailed analysis for ejections and replay data gathered during baseball season's first two months.

Summary, Ejections.
>> 66 Total Regular Season Ejections through May 31, 2015.
>> Umpires were 79.5% accurate on calls associated with ejection.
>> The Royals were ejected more often than any other team; the AL Central led all MLB divisions.
>> Seven teams were ejected less often than any other team; the AL West trailed all MLB divisions.
>> Manager Don Mattingly of the Los Angeles Dodgers led all managers in ejections.
>> Players Bryce Harper (WAS) and Yordano Ventura (KC) led all players in ejections.
>> Umpire Holbrook led all umpires; Estabrook was the most accurate ejector (highest E-QOC).
>> Jim Joyce's crew led all of baseball in ejection activity.
>> Most ejections occurred in the 7th inning; Ejections from 7th and on comprised 56% of all tosses.
>> Most ejections occurred on Sundays. Weekend series (Fri-Sun) featured 55% of all heave-ho's.
>> The most common reason for ejection was Balls/Strikes, followed by arguing a Check Swing.

Summary, Replay Reviews.
>> 364 Total Replay Reviews, of which calls were affirmed 55% of the time (45% overturned).
>> The Tampa Bay Rays used replay more than any other team, but were the least accurate (.200 N).
>> Manager Kevin Cash (TB) led all managers in filing challenges, but was fairly inaccurate.
>> Don Mattingly (LAD) and Cash (TB) were the league's worst challenging managers (lowest CSP).
>> Craig Counsell (MIL) led the league in accuracy.
>> The league average manager was successful in challenging a play 53% of the time.
>> Umpires Baker and Bucknor saw 10 of their calls reviewed, each, more than any other umpire.
>> Mike Winters and Jerry Meals' crews tied to lead all of baseball in replay activity.
>> Umpire Toby Basner led the league in accuracy with all of his calls affirmed by replay.
>> Umpire Lance Barrett experienced the highest rate of his calls being overturned by replay.
>> Most reviews occurred in the 8th inning. Reviews from 7th and on comprised 41% of all reviews.
>> Most reviews occurred on Sundays; Calls were most often overturned in daytime conditions.
>> The most common reason for review was Safe/Out, followed by HR/Not HR and HBP/Foul.

For detailed sabermetric analysis of MLB umpire ejections and instant replay review outcomes, follow the "read more" link below. The advanced data below includes team and individual (by manager/player/umpire) ejection and replay review leaders and statistics, including manager's challenges and crew chief reviews. Complete listed ranking of least and most successful managers in challenging, most successful teams (manager's challenges + crew chief reviews) and review percentages by umpire are included.

MLB Replay Reviews, Week 8 (May 25 - May 31, 2015)

MLB umpires experienced 47 instant replay reviews during the week of May 25 - May 31, 2015 (-1 over prior week). Games played during this period featured the following MLB Replay Review decisions:

MLB Ejection 066: Todd Tichenor (3; Jeff Banister)

2B Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Rangers Manager Jeff Banister for arguing a safe call in the top of the 9th inning of the Red Sox-Rangers game. With none out and one on, Red Sox baserunner R1 Rusney Castillo attempted to steal second base off Rangers catcher Carlos Corporan, who threw to shortstop Elvis Andrus as Castillo arrived at second base. Though Tichenor ruled Castillo safe on the premise that Andrus forced Castillo off of the base, replays indicate Castillo's momentum caused him to break contact with the bag, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 3-2. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Todd Tichenor (13)'s third ejection of 2015.
Todd Tichenor now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 5).
Crew Chief Tim Welke now has 6 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 6).

This is the 66th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 28th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Rangers' 2nd ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL West (OAK, SEA, TEX 2; HOU, LAA 1).
This is Jeff Banister's first ejection since April 26, 2015 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Todd Tichenor's first ejection since May 29, 2015 (John Farrell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers, 5/31/15
Video: When Castillo's foot is tagged off the base, Tichenor rules Andrus pushed him off (BOS)

MLB Ejection 065: Marty Foster (3; Justin Turner)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected Dodgers 3B Justin Turner for arguing a strike three call to end the top of the 9th inning of the Dodgers-Cardinals game. With two out and two on, Turner took a 1-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Trevor Rosenthal for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.019, pz 2.455), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals had won the contest, 3-1.

This is Marty Foster (60)'s third ejection of 2015.
Marty Foster now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 5).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 11).

This is the 65th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 32nd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Turner was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Dodgers' 5th ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL West (LAD, SD 5; COL 3; SF 1; ARI 0).
This is Justin Turner's first career MLB ejection.
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since May 17, 2015 (Charlie Blackmon; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 5/31/15
Video: After Foster calls Turner out on strikes to end the ballgame, Turner is formally tossed (LAD)
Video: With a chance to tie the game, Turner takes an outside strike to dash the Dodgers' hopes (STL)