MLB Ejection 155 - Joe West (2; AJ Hinch)

2B Umpire Joe West ejected Astros Manager AJ Hinch (batter's interference call by HP Umpire Chris Segal) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Rangers-Astros game. With none out and one on (R1), Astros batter Alex Bregman attempted to strike a 3-2 changeup from Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez as Astros baserunner R1 George Springer attempted to steal second base. Replays indicate that after striking out swinging at the 3-2 pitch, batter Bregman stepped out of his batter's box and behind home plate into the area in which Rangers catcher Brett Nicholas was making his throw to second base and in doing so committed interference pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(5), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 1-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Joe West (22)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Joe West now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call-Crewmate = 12).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 10 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 10).
*OBR 6.01(a)(5): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate."
*Had there been less than two strikes on Bregman, he would have been out pursuant to Rule 6.03(a)(3): "A batter is out for illegal action when—He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

This is the 155th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 76th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Houston's 5th ejection of 2017, T-2nd in the AL West (TEX 8; HOU, SEA 5; OAK 4; LAA 1).
This is AJ Hinch's first ejection since September 8, 2016 (Jim Joyce; QOC = N [Ball/Foul]).
This is Joe West's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since June 18 (Jeff Banister; QOC = Y-C [HBP/Foul]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros (at Tropicana Field), 8/31/17 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Cowboy crew chief corrals & chucks complaining captain in confirmation of Chris' call (HOU)