Injury - Jeff Kellogg Out After Hit to the Head

Jeff Kellogg was injured during Friday night's Mets-Braves game after taking a foul ball off the bat of Nick Markakis and into the lower left portion of Kellogg's traditional-style facemask. After caroming off the mask, the ball struck Kellogg's left shoulder.

During the ensuing inning break, crewmate Alan Porter changed into his plate equipment and replaced Kellogg for the remainder of the game and series. Kellogg is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Greg Gibson took over for Kellogg at third base on Saturday, serving as acting crew chief with John Tumpane, Lance Barksdale and Alan Porter. Gibson previously officiated with Dana DeMuth's crew (Ed Hickox, Nic Lentz) in Cincinnati. Mike Estabrook was brought in to replace Gibson in CIN.

Kellogg previously suffered "a pretty bad migraine" after taking a foul ball off the bat of former Angels batter Torii Hunter in 2012; he exited that ballgame after the knock as well.

MLB Ejection 008 - Brian Gorman (2; Don Mattingly)

HP Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Marlins Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a strike call in the top of the 4th inning of the Marlins-Giants game. With none out and none on, Marlins batter Christian Yelich took a 1-0 cutter from Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px -.295, pz 3.349 [sz_top 3.540]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 3-0. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 8-1.

This is Brian Gorman (9)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Gorman now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

This is the eighth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 4th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Marlins' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL East (MIA 1; ATL, NYM, PHI, WAS 0).
This is Don Mattingly's first ejection since July 21, 2015 (James Hoye; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian Gorman's first ejection since April 19, 2016 (Andy Green; QOC = Y-C [Balk]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. San Francisco Giants (National League Baseball), 4/22/16
Video: A pitch after Yelich takes a strike at the top of the zone, Mattingly is chucked ("Read more")

Major League Debut of Umpire Ramon De Jesus (18)

Umpire Ramon De Jesus makes his MLB debut during the Indians-Tigers game on April 22 in Detroit, joining Gary Cederstrom's crew and serving as the second base umpire alongside HP Umpire Eric Cooper, 1B Umpire Adrian Johnson, and 3B Umpire Cederstrom. De Jesus is the first-ever Dominican-born umpire to officiate at the Major League level.

De Jesus is on the Pacific Coast League roster for the 2016 season, which is his third season in the PCL and in Triple-A (2014-16 PCL). He has also worked the Arizona Instructional, Florida State, New York-Penn, South Atlantic, Eastern, and Arizona Fall Leagues, in addition to MLB Spring Training.

De Jesus wears the uniform number 18 at the Major League level, which was last worn by Marcus Pattillo, and makes his MLB debut at the age of 32. He resides in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and is the second new fill-in umpire to make his debut this season.

MLB Ejection 007 - Dan Bellino (1; Matt Wieters)

HP Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Orioles C Matt Wieters for arguing a strike three (check swing) call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Blue Jays-Orioles game. With two out and two on, Wieters attempted to check his swing on a 0-2 changeup from Blue Jays pitcher Marco Estrada. Play reviewed and affirmed as correct by the UEFL Appeals Board (check swing). At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 2-1. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Dan Bellino now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 6 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 6).

This is the seventh ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 4th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Wieters was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Orioles' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL East (BAL 1; BOS, NYY, TB, TOR 0).
This is Matt Wieter's first ejection since May 29, 2012 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Dan Bellino's first ejection since September 23, 2015 (Glen Perkins; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles (American League Baseball), 4/21/16
Video: Wieters tries checking his swing, but to no avail as Bellino rings him up ("Read more")

Tmac's Teachable Moments - Base Touches

Occasionally, it's fun to take a play and break it down and use it as a teachable moment. Welcome to Tmac's Teachable Moments, analyzing the best in baseball—from an umpire's positioning and mechanics point of view.

Let's look at this play from the Reds and Rockies game.  Here we have an appeal of 3rd base on a runner who scored.  This is a play that we all dread, but in this case, we have a 3rd base umpire who can and should be feet from the play.  You'll notice at the 1:16 mark of the below video ("read more") that our 3rd base umpire is nowhere in frame.  I prefer getting low leaning in and being close to a touch when I'm at 3rd.  It gives you credibility in that one in 300 chance a runner actually MISSES a base.  I feel like I see a missed touch about once a week, BUT they usually don't appeal.

In this case, 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson calls the runner out and if you look closely, you can see the runner hesitate a couple steps past the bag.  We take this information in as a picture begins to present itself.  Now, Johnson is afforded the luxury of Replay, but sadly, most of us are not, so if you get the opportunity, stick your nose into a touch.  Coaches and Managers see this and it gives you credibility with the call you have to make.  In this case we have only one place to be as a 3rd base umpire.... We're looking for a touch and we're looking for the possibility of a following play into 3rd base from the catcher.

When we get in close on touches we're engaged to the action and we have all important believability.  Happy Umpiring!!

Video: ("Read More")

Major League Debut of Umpire Nic Lentz (59)

Umpire Nic Lentz makes his MLB debut during the Nationals-Marlins game on April 20 in Miami, joining Hunter Wendelstedt's crew* and serving as the first base umpire alongside HP Umpire Wendelstedt, 2B Umpire Scott Barry, and 3B Umpire Tripp Gibson.

Lentz is on the International League roster for the 2016 season, which is his third season in the IL and in Triple-A (2014-16 IL). He has also worked the Arizona, Florida Instructional, New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Arizona Instructional, Eastern and Venezuelan and Arizona Fall Leagues, in addition to MLB Spring Training.

Lentz wears the uniform number 59 at the Major League level, which was last worn by Jon Byrne, and makes his MLB debut at the age of 26. He resides in Holland, Michigan and is the first new fill-in umpire to make his debut this season.

*Lentz is officiating in place of veteran crew chief Jerry Layne, who injured himself during Tuesday's game. In an attempt to avoid being hit by a batted ball, 1B Umpire Layne jumped and landed awkwardly, appearing to injure his right leg.

MLB Ejection 006 - Brian Gorman (1; Andy Green)

3B Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Padres Manager Andy Green for arguing a balk call by HP Umpire Mark Carlson in the top of the 3rd inning of the Pirates-Padres game. With two out and two on, Padres pitcher Colin Rea prepared to throw a 0-1 pitch to Pirates batter Francisco Cervelli. Replays indicate Rea appeared to deviate from his natural pitching motion and break contact with the pitching rubber during his delivery (illegal pitch), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Brian Gorman (9)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Gorman now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Y-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).
*Rule 6.02(a)(5) states that a balk occurs when, "the pitcher makes an illegal pitch." Rule 5.07(a)(1), concerning Windup Position, and 5.07(a)(2) concerning Set Position both state, "Any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption." Because F1 Rea altered his natural motion during delivery, the pitch was illegal pursuant to 5.07(a), and, thus, a balk pursuant to 6.02(a)(5).

This is the sixth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 3rd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Padres' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL West (LAD, SD 1; ARI, COL, SD, SF 0).
This is Andy Green's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian Gorman's first ejection since June 4, 2015 (Buck Showalter; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres (National League Baseball), 4/19/16
Video: Green argues the initial balk call, reversal, and reinstatement to get ejected ("Read more")
Video: Andy Green's post-game statement (SD)

Featured MiLB Ejection - Ron Teague (2 Aces, 1st Inning)

HP Umpire Ron Teague ejected Reno Aces P Archie Bradley & Manager Phil Nevin for arguing a ball four call in the top of the 1st inning of the Isotopes-Aces game. With two out and two on, Isotopes batter Jeff Bianchi took a 3-2 fastball from Bradley for a called fourth ball. During the Nevin's ensuing mound visit and pitching change, Bradley and Nevin were ejected from the game. Replays indicate the pitch was located around the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (px unavailable), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 3-0. The Isotopes ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

Wrap: Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Reno Aces (Pacific Coast League Baseball), 4/12/16
Video: Bradley and skipper Nevin are tossed in the top of the 1st inning (RNO)

Roster - 2016 Pacific Coast League Umpires

The 2016 MiLB Pacific Coast League Umpire Roster is available and appears below:

Ryan Blakney - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2015.*
John Bostwick - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Seth Buckminster - PCL Rookie, Previously International League (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2014.*
Mike Cascioppo - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
William Cunha - First promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2015.
Matt Czajak - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
Ramon De Jesus - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern Lg in 2014. MLB Fill-In Since 2016.*
Travis Eggert - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.*
Clint Fagan - PCL Rookie, Previously in the International League (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2011.*
Blake Felix - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Bryan Fields - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Chris Gonzalez - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2014.
Adam Hamari - PCL Rookie, Previously International Lg (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2013.*
Pat Hoberg - Major League Baseball Fill-in Since 2014.*
Javerro "J.J." January - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Anthony "A.J." Johnson - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*
John Libka - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Nick Mahrley - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2014.
Gabe Morales - Major League Baseball Fill-in Since 2014.*
Thomas Newsom - First Promoted to the PCL from the Southern League in 2013.
Alex Ortiz - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2013.*
Clay Park - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
Garrett Patterson - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Albert Ruiz - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2014.
Stu Scheurwater - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*
Ron Teague - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Brett Terry - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Junior Valentine - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Nathan White - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Thomas Woodring - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*

Of these 30 umpires, nine were promoted to AAA in 2016, while three additional newcomers are transfers from the International League. 10 PCL umpires are MLB fill-ins and 12 umpires (including all potential big league call-ups and denoted by an asterisk [*]) have experience in the Arizona Fall League.

MLB Ejection 005 - Rob Drake (1; Justin Upton)

HP Umpire Rob Drake ejected Tigers LF Justin Upton for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Tigers-Astros game. With two out and one on, Upton took a 1-2 slider from Astros pitcher Pat Neshek for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.169, pz 3.492 [sz_top 3.510]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 5-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Rob Drake (30)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Rob Drake now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 4).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the fifth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 3rd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Upton was 0-4 in the contest (2 SO).
This is the Tigers' 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (DET 2; MIN 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Justin Upton's first ejection since May 23, 2015 (Clint Fagan; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Rob Drake's first ejection since June 27, 2015 (Brett Oberholtzer; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros (American League Baseball), 4/17/16
Video: Upton throws his bat after striking out and is tossed heading into the stretch ("Read more")

Injury - Hirschbeck Exits After Foul Ball to Throat

John Hirschbeck left Friday's Rockies-Cubs game after a foul-to-throat incident in the top of the 8th inning, when Rockies batter Tony Wolters' foul ball of a 93 mph fastball bounced off the Chicago dirt and directly up to Hirschbeck's neck, appearing to carom upward and underneath the traditional facemask's throat guard extension.

After a brief delay and evaluation by training staff, crewmate Clint Fagan retreated to the umpire's room and changed into his plate gear, replacing Hirschbeck shortly thereafter as the crew reverted to three-person mechanics.

Marvin Hudson, who officiated Friday in Pittsburgh, joined the Chicago-NL crew on Saturday, replacing the injured Hirschbeck, as Tony Basner was called up to Pittsburgh to replace Hudson.

Hirschbeck previously left a 2013 game after being hit in the wrist by an errant pitch in Philadelphia.