MLB Ejections 028|029 - Ben May, Jeff Nelson (1, 1; HOU)

HP Umpire Ben May ejected Astros Manager AJ Hinch for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 8th and 1B Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Astros CF Carlos Gomez for arguing balls and strikes prior to the 10th inning of the Mariners-Astros game. In the 8th, with none out and none on, Astros batter Carlos Correa took a 3-2 slider from Mariners pitcher Nick Vincent for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .31, pz 1.54 [sz_bot 1.7 / MOE 1.6]), the call was incorrect. With one out in the 9th, Astros batter Jason Castro took a 3-2 slider from Mariners pitcher Steve Cischek for a called third strike and ensuing batter George Springer took a 3-2 sinker from Cischek for a called third strike; Gomez did not bat in the 9th inning. Replays indicate the pitches to both batters were located over the inner half of home plate and belt high (Castro: px -.59, pz 2.66; Springer: px -.45, pz 2.88), the call was correct. At the time of Hinch's ejection, the Mariners were leading, 2-1. At the time of Gomez's ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 10 innings.

This is Ben May (97)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ben May now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 [3 AAA - 1 Pen] - 4 QOCN = -2).
Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect + 1 Correct = 3).

These are the 28th and 29th ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 14th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the 15th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Gomez was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the Astros' 1/2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL West (HOU 2; TEX 1; LAA, OAK, SEA 0).
This is Carlos Gomez's first ejection since July 27, 2015 (Gerry Davis; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is AJ Hinch's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (Bill Miller; QOC = U-C [Replay Review]).
This is Ben May's first ejection since S: April 2, 2015 (Tyler Flowers; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).
This is Jeff Nelson's first ejection since P: October 7, 2015 (Sean Rodriguez; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros, 5/7/16
Video: Hinch and Gomez are ejected for arguing separate strike three calls ("Read more")

Injury - Eric Cooper Out 10-14 Days with Tendon Strain

Eric Cooper is out 10-14 days with a foot injury sustained during Friday night's Brewers-Reds game. With none out and one on in the top of the 9th inning, Brewers baserunner R1 Jonathan Villar was picked off and caught stealing second base on Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani's throw to Joey Votto.

In his attempt to avoid Villar during the ensuing rundown, Cooper jumped back awkwardly on his right foot; after a brief injury delay during which Cooper retired to the umpire's dressing room, the game concluded with the three-person crew of Gary Cederstrom (HP), Jim Wolf (1B, from 2B) and Adrian Johnson (3B).

Sean Barber was called upon to fill-in for Cooper on Saturday, serving as the first base umpire with Wolf behind the dish. Barber last worked MLB on Thursday with Rob Drake, Cory Blaser, and Sam Holbrook in Toronto and had been sent down on Friday, as Carlos Torres took over on interim chief Holbrook's crew in Atlanta. As a rover not assigned to a regular International League crew, Barber officiated with AAA's Jeremy Riggs, John Bacon and James Rackley during Friday's Louisville Bats-Indianapolis Indians game. Riggs, Bacon and Rackley returned to a three-umpire configuration on Saturday.

Video: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds, 5/6/16 (Condensed Game; Cooper Injury at 12:05)

Injury - Dana DeMuth Leaves Cards Game on Foul Ball

Dana DeMuth was injured by a foul ball during the Pirates-Cardinals game in St. Louis Saturday afternoon. DeMuth was struck by a first-inning foul ball off the bat of Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty, leaving the game two innings later pursuant to MLB's protocol for head injuries.

Piscotty fouled off a 2-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke directly into the center-face portion of DeMuth's traditional-style facemask, knocking the mask off the umpire's head.

Crewmate Ed Hickox replaced DeMuth behind the plate, vacating his second base position while Greg Gibson (1B) and Mike Estabrook (3B) remained in the field as the crew worked shorthanded.

Nashville Sounds Unveil Chuck Meriwether Umpire Room

Nashville's Chuck Meriwether has an umpire room, the Sounds honoring the retired MLB umpire in a pre-game ceremony Friday night naming the officials' room at First Tennessee Park where the Triple-A/PCL squad and Oakland A's affiliate plays its games.

Chuck Meriwether honored in NSH. Photo: Sounds/MiLB.

Chuck Meriwether is originally from Nashville, graduating from the local Father Ryan Academy high school before attending Athens State College in nearby Alabama, where he played first base for the school baseball team.

Meriwether enrolled in the Wendelstedt Umpire School shortly after graduating from Athens with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, beginning his baseball career in 1979 and landing a full-time American League gig in 1993, where he umpired until 2010 (adding the NL in 2000 when the staffs merged), working several Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Games, and World Series.

Meriwether spent a total of 11 years in Triple-A, including the Pacific Coast League (1982-85) and American Association (1986-92). He currently works for Major League Baseball as an Umpire Supervisor, one of his duties involving the AAA-to-MLB transition, meaning he visits Triple-A stadiums such as First Tennessee Park throughout the season. He also has ties to the city of Nashville itself, serving on the Nashville Metropolitan Sports Authority Board of Directors for metro Nashville and Davidson County.

Surrounded by family and friends during Friday's pre-game event, Meriwether was presented with a plaque commemorating the new "Chuck Meriwether Umpire Room" by Sounds owner Frank Ward and team mascot Booster, a giant red rooster.

MLB Ejection 027 - Bill Miller (1; Robin Ventura)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for Unsportsmanlike-NEC (Arguing Warnings/Ejection No-Call by HP Umpire Todd Tichenor) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Twins-White Sox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Jose Abreu took a 0-1 fastball for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the 97-mph pitch struck Abreu on the left arm, resulting in a bench-clearing incident and warnings issued, the call was irrecusable. Abreu was the third hit batsman of the game. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 10-4. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 10-4.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Bill Miller now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 4).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 3).

This is the 27th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 13th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the White Sox' 2nd ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the AL Central (MIN 4; CWS, DET 2; KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Robin Ventura's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since April 30 (Gerry Davis; QOC = N [Replay]).
This is Bill Miller's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (AJ Hinch; QOC = U-C [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox, 5/6/16
Video: After a late-inning HBP & warnings, Ventura unsuccessfully campaigns for more ("Read more")

MLB Ejections 025|026 - Ron Kulpa (1-2; J Farrell, D Ortiz)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Red Sox Manager John Farrell and DH David Ortiz for arguing strike calls in the top of the 9th inning of the Yankees-Red Sox game. With one out and the bases loaded, Ortiz took two consecutive 3-1 sliders from Yankees pitcher Andrew Miller for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 3-1 pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and knee high (px -.730, pz 1.894 [sz_bot 1.79]), the call was correct. Replays indicate the 3-2 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.445, pz 1.332 [sz_bot 1.790 / MOE 1.707]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejections, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

These are Ron Kulpa (46)'s first and second ejections of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ron Kulpa now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2*[2 MLB] + 2 Y - 4 N = 3).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call + 0 N = 2).
*David Ortiz was named MLB's leading hothead player in a June 2015 study of ejection rates.

These are the 25th and 26th ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 12th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the 14th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Ortiz was 1-5 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Yankees' 1/2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL East (BOS 2; BAL, NYY, TB, TOR 1).
This is John Farrell's first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Tim Timmons; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is David Ortiz's first ejection since June 20, 2015 (Bruce Dreckman; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Ron Kulpa's first ejection since August 23, 2015 (Jeff Banister; QOC = U [Arguing Ejection]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, 5/6/16
Video: Big Papi argues consecutive called strikes, prompting his & Farrell's ejection ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 024 - Cory Blaser (1; AJ Pierzynski)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Braves C AJ Pierzynski for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Diamondbacks-Braves game. With two out and one on, Pierzynski took a 3-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.404, pz 1.536 [sz_bot 1.680 / MOE 1.597]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

This is Cory Blaser (89)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Cory Blaser now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Sam Holbrook now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 24th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 13th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Pierzynski was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Braves' 1st ejection of 2016, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 3; ATL 1; NYM, PHI, WAS 0).
This is A.J. Pierzynski's first ejection since March 18, 2015 (Joe West; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Cory Blaser's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (Steve McCatty; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves, 5/6/16
Video: After striking out looking to end the 4th, AJ is thrown out of the game ("Read more")

MiLB Umpires Clark, Ballou Praised for RV Rescue

When an RV crashed on I-95, MiLB umpires Cody Clark and Brock Ballou sprung into action to assist its occupants, preserving the scene until police, fire, and medical services could arrive.

Cody Clark (L) and Brock Ballou. Photo: MiLB

While driving along the North Carolina portion of the highway enroute to a Carolina Mudcats game in April, an RV just ahead of the A Advanced Carolina League umpiring crew blew a tire before slamming into a guardrail, rupturing its undercarriage and fuel line, and littering the road with debris, all while one of the loose tires had flown free and smashed into the umpires' own windshield.

After coming to a stop, Clark and Ballou ran to the disabled RV and found the door jammed while two off-duty detectives also traveling I-95 helped control traffic.

When the RV's cabin became exposed, one of the items that fell out of the vehicle was a tool box containing a wrench, which Clark used to smash open one of the RV's windows before climbing in and checking on the elderly couple and their three cats within.

H/T: In highway rescue, umps make the right call (MiLB)

MLB Ejection 023 - Chris Guccione (1; Joe Girardi)

3B Umpire Chris Guccione ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing a balk no-call in the top of the 4th inning of the Yankees-Orioles game. With two out and a runner on third, Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman delivered from Set Position to Yankees batter Carlos Beltran. Replays indicate Gausman stayed true to his natural pitching motion, the call was correct.* Original Ruling Appealed and Affirmed by UEFL Appeals Board (Balk/QOC: Correct). At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 1-0, in 10 innings.

This is Chris Guccione (68)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Chris Guccione now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 QOCY = 3).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*OBR Rule 6.02(a)(13) states it is a balk when, "The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop."

This is the 23rd ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 11th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Yankees' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, NYY, TB, TOR 1; BOS 0).
This is Joe Girardi's first ejection since September 20, 2015 (John Hirschbeck; QOC = U [DiMuro]).
This is Chris Guccione's first ejection since Sept 18, 2015 (Jeff Banister; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles, 5/5/16
Video: Gooch tosses Girardi between innings after the Bronx Bombers fail to score ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 022 - Vic Carapazza (1; Dexter Fowler)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Cubs CF Dexter Fowler for arguing strike calls in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Nationals-Cubs game. With two out and none on, Fowler took two consecutive 0-1 sinkers from Nationals pitcher Joe Ross for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh high (px .447, pz 2.621) and the 0-2 pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px .170, pz 3.577 [sz_bot 3.648]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0.

This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Vic Carapazza now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

This is the 22nd ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 12th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Fowler was 0-2 (2 SO).
This is the Cubs' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (CHC 1; CIN, MIL, PIT, STL 0).
This is Dexter Fowler's first career MLB ejection.
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since Oct 14, 2015 (Michael Saunders; QOC = U [Interference]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs, 5/5/16
Video: Fowler is tossed between innings after dugout complains about the strike zone ("Read more")

Defining Base Coach Interference - It Had to Be St Louis

A third base coach interference no-call in St. Louis paved the way for a Cardinals walk-off win against Philadelphia Wednesday night when 3B Umpire Ryan Blakney ruled that Cardinals third base coach Chris Maloney, filling in this season for regular base coach Jose Oquendo, did not interfere with Phillies third baseman Andres Blanco's pursuit of Cards baserunner R2 Carlos Martinez, who eventually made out at home. Stay tuned for an explanation as to why the interference no-call was correct.

But first, let's draw up the play. With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning of a 4-3 game, Cardinals batter Stephen Piscotty singled on a ground ball to Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (R3 Kolten Wong scoring), who threw to F5 Blanco as R2 Martinez rounded third and continued on towards home, where he was subsequently tagged out by catcher Carlos Ruiz. Replays indicate that during the play, third base coach Maloney, who was standing close to the dirt path between third base and home plate, had to maneuver to avoid touching both Martinez and Blanco as both players used a path down the baseline which Maloney appeared to occupy. No contact occurred between Maloney and either player.

NOTE: The distinction of interference vs non-interference is important because, even though R2 Martinez was retired, trail runner R1 Aledmys Diaz advanced to third base during the rundown. Had interference been called, Diaz likely would have been placed back at second base on the dead ball.

Analysis: OBR Rule 5.03 concerns Base Coaches and states in provision (b) that, the base coaches shall, "remain within the coach’s box at all times." Yet with 3BC Maloney clearly outside of the box in apparent contravention of Rule 5.03(b), why did Blankey not rule the play dead on the auspices of base coach interference? Refer to Rule 5.03 Penalty: "The offending base coach shall be removed from the game, and shall leave the playing field." The penalty is not to call interference or kill the play. Here's an example of an umpire enforcing the penalty: [[Ed Montague removes offending base coach Larry Bowa from the game]].

So if 5.03 says nothing about interference, Rule 6.01(f) clearly does: "If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out." Not relevant.

Rule 6.01(b) states that, "The players, coaches or any member of a team at bat shall vacate any space (including both dugouts or bullpens) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball." Does not apply, as F5 already had the ball.

Does Rule 6.01(a)(8) apply? "In the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists him in returning to or leaving third base or first base." No.

How about 6.01(a)(9)? "With a runner on third base, the base coach leaves his box and acts in any manner to draw a throw by a fielder." No.

Here's a play portrayed in Rule 6.01(d) Comment: "Batter hits ball to shortstop, who fields ball but throws wild past first baseman. The coach at first base, to avoid being hit by the ball, falls to the ground and the first baseman on his way to retrieve the wild thrown ball, runs into the coach. The batter-runner finally ends up on third base. Whether the umpire should call interference on the part of the coach is up to the judgment of the umpire and if the umpire felt that the coach did all he could to avoid interfering with the play, no interference need be called. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the coach was attempting to make it appear that he was trying not to interfere, the umpire should rule interference." This is relevant. If the interference is intentional, it is to be called. If unintentional AND the coach did all he could to avoid it, it is not a violation.

Coach Maloney successfully avoided both his player and his opponent; he did not obstruct, impede, hinder or confuse any fielder attempting to make a play. That's why Blakney signaled "safe": Because there was no actual interference; F5 was not impeded from completing his play. This is similar in theory to throwing a glove or hat at a loose ball: no harm, no foul unless there's actual interference with the ball's movement.

Regarding Rule 5.03's "remain within the coach's box at all times" language, Rule 5.03 Comment states: "Until a batted ball passes a coach, a coach is not permitted to position himself closer to home plate than the coach’s box nor closer to fair territory than the coach’s box. Otherwise, a coach shall not be considered out of the box unless the opposing manager complains, in which case the umpire shall strictly enforce the rule and require all coaches (on both teams) to remain in the coach’s box at all times."

Though physically out of the box, Maloney is not considered "out of the box" by rule unless opposing manager Pete Mackanin complains, in which case the only recourse is for U3 Blakney to require Maloney to "remain in the coach's box at all times." The penalty for being out of the box is not an interference call.

Video: Maloney dodges Martinez & Blanco; Blakney rules the play legal ("Read more")

MLB Ejections 020|021 - Scott Barry (1-2; Pressly, Molitor)

HP Umpire Scott Barry ejected Twins P Ryan Pressly and Manager Paul Molitor for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Twins-Astros game. With two out and none on, Pressly walked two batters before surrendering a double; prior to this, he struck out two batters on called third strikes. Replays indicate of the 13 Pressly pitches ruled ball during the inning, 11 were properly officiated while all six called strikes were properly officiated (17/19 = 89% accuracy). Pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-5-d-2 regarding pitching change ejections and the Balls/Strikes Exemption, the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the Astros were leading, 16-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 16-4.

These are Scott Barry (87)'s first and second ejections of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Scott Barry now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 QOCY] = 8).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 5 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 5).

These are the 20th and 21st ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 11th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Pressly's line was 0.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO.
This is the 10th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Twins' 3/4th ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (MIN 4; DET 2; CWS, KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Ryan Pressly's first career MLB ejection.
This is Paul Molitor's first ejection since August 23, 2015 (Gabe Morales; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Scott Barry's first ejection since September 7, 2014 (Don Mattingly; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros, 5/4/16
Video: Pressly's parting shots earn him an official ejection, backed up by his skipper ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 019 - CB Bucknor (1; Eric Hosmer)

HP Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Royals 1B Eric Hosmer for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Nationals-Royals game. With none out and none on, Hosmer took two consecutive 0-0 pitches from Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg for called first and second strikes before striking out swinging on a 3-2 changeup four pitches later. Replays indicate the first pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and belt high (px -.897, pz 2.529) and the second pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.982, pz 1.598 [sz_bot 1.690 / MOE 1.607]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 13-2. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 13-2.

This is CB Bucknor (54)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
CB Bucknor now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 6 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 6).
*The call would have been correct had px been greater than |.917| and pz greater than 1.607.

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 10th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Hosmer was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Royals' 1st ejection of 2016, T-3rd in the AL Central (DET, MIN 2; CWS, KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Eric Hosmer's first ejection since March 25, 2014 (Brian Hertzog; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is CB Buckner's first ejection since June 19, 2015 (DeMarlo Hale; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Kansas City Royals, 5/4/16
Video: Hosmer complains from the dugout, is warned to stop, and ultimately is ejected ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 018 - Jerry Layne (1; John Ryan Murphy)

HP Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Twins C John Ryan Murphy for arguing a ball two call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Twins-Astros game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Jose Altuve took a 1-2 curveball from Twins pitcher Jose Berrios for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh high (px -.484, pz 1.675 [sz_bot 1.16]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 5-1. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jerry Layne now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*The call would have been correct had px been greater than |.750| or pz less than 1.243.

This is the 18th ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 9th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Murphy was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Twins' 2nd ejection of 2016, T-1st in the AL Central (DET, MIN 2; CWS 1; CLE, KC 0).
This is John Ryan Murphy's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since June 17, 2015 (Walt Weiss; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros (American League Baseball), 5/2/16
Video: Murphy is ejected over an inside corner strike three non-call in the fifth inning ("Read more")

MLB Ejection & Replay Review Sabermetrics - April 2016

Ejections are down 50% from 2015 and 37% from 2014, thanks mainly to a lack of fights and angry pitchers. In 2014, when expanded Replay was introduced, we predicted ejections would modestly fall, since arguments over out/safe calls comprised the bulk of ejections prior to 2014. Instead, the 199 ejections experienced in 2014 marked an increase of 11% over 2013's 180 ejections, while the 212 ejections in 2015 was the first time seasonal ejections surpassed the 200-mark since 2010 (201 ejections), and was the most overall since 2007 (215 ejections).

Regarding replay, one of the 17 ejections in April was for arguing a Replay Review, whereas arguing the outcome of a Replay Review comprised 14-of-212 (7%) ejections in 2015 (2-of-34 in April), and 24-of-199 (12%) ejections in 2014 (3-of-27 in April); the month vs. year differences are not statistically significant. Arguing Replay Review decisions, therefore, trended downward from 2014-15, suggesting that the finality of Replay Review is gaining acceptance across baseball. Further supporting this theory, the one Replay Review ejection in 2016 concerned potential bona fide slide interference—a new rule for this season.

Allow us to briefly explore a possible explanation for the declining ejection numbers. 12 of the 17 ejections in April 2016 concerned Balls/Strikes, compared to 11 of 34 in 2015 and 15 of 27 2014.

Check Swings: 2-of-17 in 2016, 4-of-34 in 2015, 0-of-27 in 2014.

So where's the difference? Fighting and Throwing At ejections were down sharply in April 2016 compared to years past: Other than MLB Ejection 001 - Marvin Hudson (1; Tom Wilhelmsen), an intentional throwing-at-batter ejection, there have been no brawls or other inter-squad conflicts that have led to ejection. In 2015, there were five fighting and four throwing at ejections in April (9-of-34; 26%), while in 2014, those numbers were three fights and two bean balls (5-of-27; 19%). 2016's mark of 1-of-17 (6%) is a far cry from the previous Aprils' numbers.

With that out of the way, here's the Ejection & Instant Replay Review Statistics and Umpire Sabermetrics for April 2016. The following presentation includes summaries and analyses for ejections and replay data gathered during the first month of the 2016 regular season.

Summary, Ejections.
>> 17 Total Regular Season Ejections through April 30, 2016 (on pace for 117 ejections this season).
>> Umpires were 68.8% accurate on calls associated with ejection.
>> The Marlins were ejected more often than any other team.
>> 18 teams have yet to be ejected.
>> Manager Don Mattingly of the Miami Marlins led all managers in ejections.
>> Several players tied to lead all players in ejections.
>> Umpires Tichenor, Hudson, Gorman & L Barrett led all umpires in ejections.
>> Chief Everitt, Miller, Davis, Gorman & Scott's crews tied to lead all of baseball in ejections.
>> Most ejections occurred in the 7th inning; Ejections from 7th and on comprised 76% of all tosses.
>> Most ejections occurred on Sundays. Weekend series (Fri-Sun) featured 48% of all heave-ho's.
>> The most common reason for ejection was Balls/Strikes, followed by arguing a Check Swing.

Summary, Replay Reviews.
>> 222 Total Replay Reviews, of which calls were affirmed 54% of the time (46% overturned).
>> The Blue Jays & Red Sox used replay more than any other team, but were fairly inaccurate.
>> The Tigers were the League's most successful team in review, with less than half as many reviews.
>> The Mets had less reviews than any other team and did not receive any overturned calls.
>> Umpire Diaz saw seven of his calls reviewed, more than any other umpire.
>> John Hirschbeck's crew led all of baseball in replay activity by a significant margin.
>> Umpire Quinn Wolcott led the league in accuracy with all of his calls affirmed by replay.
>> Umpire Marvin Hudson 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 Out/Safe, followed by questions of interference.

For detailed sabermetric analysis of MLB umpire ejections and instant replay review outcomes, follow the "read more" link below.

Reviewing Rundown Obstruction Type 1 at the Trop

Toronto-Tampa Bay: An obstruction no-call ended the Blue Jays' ninth inning when picked off Jays baserunner R1 Kevin Pillar ran into Rays pitcher Ryan Webb during the course of a rundown, and was subsequently tagged by second baseman Logan Forsythe and declared out by 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger.

With two out and one on, Webb threw to Rays first baseman Logan Morrison in an attempt to pick off R1 Pillar, starting a rundown that saw four Rays players involved, scored 1-3-6-1-4. Replays indicate that after F1 Webb, as the penultimate Rays ballcarrier, chased R1 Pillar toward second base and threw to F4 Forsythe, Pillar momentarily lost his balance and stumbled into the running-by Webb, subsequently moving back towards second base where Forsythe applied his tag to end the frame, the out called by 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger who mechanized that Webb had not obstructed Pillar.

Should obstruction have been called? After all, Pillar clearly collided with Webb. Time for a Rules Review.

The baseball rules' Definition of Terms states, "OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner."

Regarding obstruction, the MLB Umpire Manual states, "the fielder must then avoid the runner," as relates to contact between fielder and runner that occurs off a batted-then-deflected ball not within the fielder's immediate reach. The MLBUM also states that batted-deflected obstruction may be nullified under a certain circumstance if the fielder "has a legitimate play on the ball." Based on this language, it is clear that baseball intends for responsibility of avoiding contact to lie with the ball-less fielder, absent these (batted-then-deflected ball) or similar extenuating circumstances (e.g., obstruction on a batter-runner trapped in a rundown between home and first base is only to be called if "the obstruction is intentional"). Thus, in most cases, "accidental" obstruction is still "obstruction."

It is clear, as relates to the Pillar-Webb play, that Webb did not have a legitimate play on the ball (by virtue of having gotten rid of it); thus it was unequivocally Webb's responsibility to avoid contact with Pillar.

However, if U2 ruled that Pillar, due to his momentary loss of balance in trying to quickly change direction, was not actually "impeded" by Webb—if U2 ruled R1 would have fallen to the ground or otherwise been imminently tagged out by Forsythe regardless of Webb's presence or even if he was not making a bona fide attempt to run the bases- if he was not actually making any "progress"—then the proper call would be "no obstruction."

If, on the other hand, Pillar was impeded from progressing back to first base, the proper call would be "obstruction." Replays appear to indicate Pillar was impeded from progressing to his base, if for no other reason than Pillar appeared to have been in the process of regaining his footing and was preparing to forge a path toward first base (or, at least, away from ballcarrier Forsythe).

Video: John Gibbons briefly argues, gets explanation from Ripperger & Joe West ("Read More")