Injury Scout - Replacement Rule for Jerry Layne

Jerry Layne was scratched from the Padres-Braves starting lineup shortly before game-time in Atlanta on April 30, leaving a crew of three to officiate that evening as plate umpire Jordan Baker worked with Chad Whitson and Acting Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt. MLB flew Paul Nauert in from Philadelphia to join the crew on May 1, assigning Jeremie Rehak to join Fieldin Culbreth's crew to fill Nauert's slot in the Tigers-Phillies series.

Accordingly, we have invoked UEFL Rule 1-5-b for Layne, which authorizes umpire replacement under certain circumstances during the regular season pertaining to extended absence.

Layne is a Crew Chief, which means UEFL members may own him in Crew Division and/or as a Primary or Secondary Umpire.

If you drafted Layne in any form and wish to make a replacement at this time, the following procedure will take place.

UEFL Acceptable Replacement Procedure
If your Crew Chief is Jerry Layne, you may select any Crew Chief listed below.
If your PRM/SDR is Jerry Layne, you may select any primary/secondary umpire below.

Layne has zero points in Primary and Secondary classifications, and -3 points in Crew Division.

List of Legal Replacements (as of May 4, 2019; Subject to change after this date)
Crew Division - Eligible Replacement Crew Chiefs (ranked by UEFL points, in parentheses):
Wendelstedt, Hunter (1) [Rule 1-2-b replacement]
Davis, Gerry (-3) [Rule 1-5-b replacement]
Meals, Jerry (-8)

Primary/Secondary - Refer to UEFL Standings (umpires must have less than 0 UEFL points).
Presently: Baker, Conroy, Culbreth, Davis, Fairchild, Guccione, Hernandez, Hickox, Knight, Morales [PRM only], Rehak [PRM only], Timmons, Whitson [PRM only], Wendelstedt (-1); Additon [PRM only], Barber, T Barrett, Welke (-2); Cooper (-4).

To effect a midseason replacement, post a comment to this announcement indicating your username, classification to be changed (Crew Chief, Primary, or Secondary), and proposed replacement name.

MLB Ejection 046 - Mike Estabrook (3; Justin Smoak)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Blue Jays DH Justin Smoak (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 12th inning of the Blue Jays-Rangers game. With two out and the bases loaded, Smoak took a 3-2 curveball from Rangers pitcher Ariel Jurado for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.18, pz 3.49 [sz_top 3.44 / RAD 3.563]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 1-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 1-0, in 12 innings.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s third ejection of 2019.
Mike Estabrook now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Paul Emmel now has -1 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -1).
*This pitch was located 2.472 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 46th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 21st player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Smoak was 0-5 (3 SO) in the contest.
This is Toronto's 2nd ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the AL East (BAL 3; NYY, TOR 2; BOS, TB 0).
This is Justin Smoak's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Estabrook's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 15 (Rocco Baldelli; QOC = Y [HBP/Foul]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers, 5/3/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 044-45 - Jeff Nelson (3-4; ATL-MIA)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Braves pitcher Kevin Gausman (throwing at Marlins batter Jose Urena) in the bottom of the 2nd and Marlins Manager Don Mattingly (strike one call; QOCU) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Braves-Marlins game. In the 2nd, with two out and two on (R2, R3), Marlins batter Urena took a first-pitch fastball from Gausman for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was thrown behind Urena and was ankle-high; no warnings had previously been issued, the call was irrecusable. At the time of Gausman's ejection, the game was tied, 1-1.

In the 6th, with one out and one on (R1), Marlins batter Jorge Alfaro took a 3-0 pitch from Braves pitcher Touki Toussaint for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located around the hollow of the trailing knee and over the outer half of home plate; StatCast malfunctioned and failed to track this pitch; there are no px nor pz variables to report because the pitch tracking computer failed to track the following pitches during this at-bat: Ball 2 (Pitch #2), Ball 3 (Pitch #3), Strike 1 (Pitch #4), and the pitch Alfaro put into play (Pitch #6), the call was irrecusable.* At the time of Mattingly's ejection, the Braves were leading, 5-1. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

These are Jeff Nelson (45)'s third and fourth ejections of 2019.
Jeff Nelson now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 12).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 6 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct + 1 Irrecusable = 6).
*This is the third time the StatCast pitch-tracker has malfunctioned, failed to track a pitch, or provided erroneous information during a ball/strike ejection in 2019 (3-of-20, or 15% error rate thus far).

These are the 44th and 45th ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 20th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Gausman's line was 1.2 IP, ER, HBP.
This is the 20th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Atlanta's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st in the NL East (ATL 3; NYM 2; MIA, PHI, WAS 1).
This is Miami's 1st ejection of 2019, T-3rd in the NL East (ATL 3; NYM 2; MIA, PHI, WAS 1).
This is Kevin Gausman's first ejection since May 3, 2017 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Don Mattingly's first ejection since August 17, 2018 (Ben May; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jeff Nelson's 3/4th ejection of 2019, 1st since April 29 (Ian Desmond; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins, 5/3/19 | Video as follows:

Tmac's Teachable - Runner's Interference

In this Teachable Moment, we discuss runner's interference and the great call of both Gary Cederstrom and Quinn Wolcott during a recent Nationals game. On this play in Washington, notice the fielder has his progress impeded by the Cardinals runner from second base while within reach of a ground ball.

Today's Teachable considers interference.

This is interference and there does NOT need to be contact. This is a great call and one of the harder plays to judge in real time. When we have interference that is not intentional by a runner, the play is over. The runner is out and all other runners go back to the base they occupied on the time of pitch.

Because the interference was not a willful and deliberate act with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the batter-runner will be, by rule, placed on first. Because the batter-runner is awarded first base, R1 is forced to advance to second, and we'll continue with an added out and runners at first and second.

If this was intentional (willful and deliberate) interference, we would get two outs, but clearly it's not. The fielder has the right of way until the ball has passed him. When the fielder no longer has a play on the ball that has passed him, the runner has the right of way, which has made for some interesting plays in the past.

IMPORTANT NOTE, NFHS: High School Rule 8-4-2g differs slightly from the college/pro version in that a double play can be awarded whether or not the interference is intentional.

3B Umpire Cederstrom enforces interference.

Calling INT, like many calls, is helped by being in the right position. One thing you can do is anticipate a tag or attempt. This will help you see any potential out of the base path violation, a tag, a missed tag, or an interference/obstruction call if the fielder misses the ball.

Some plays are really tough, as evidenced by the next play in Milwaukee on another potential interference. There's contact and the fielder is also slowed by the runner. Do you have INT?  If you do, what are your mechanics? If you said point to the interference, yell, "That's Interference!" then call "Time," call R1 out, and place B/R at first, congrats: you got the call right and, uh oh.. here comes a head coach/manager.  No need to fear here's how that convo goes...

Did the runner interfere with the fielder?

Let the coach/manager talk...... He's likely asking for an explanation and this is where knowing the rules really helps. Emphasize that in your judgement the runner hindered the fielder by making contact with him as he was attempting to field a ground ball. By rule, the runner is out and batter is placed at first. If he continues try to walk away; don't engage in a protracted discussion. Also, understand if you don't call INT that you need to know the rules as well. Why don't you have INT on this play?

Here are the rules you'll want to get into:
OBR 5.09(b)(3): "Any runner is out when—He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball."
OBR 6.01(a)(10): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball."
OBR 6.01(a)(6): "If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate."
OBR 6.01(a) Penalty: "PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE: The runner is out and the ball is dead."
NCAA 8-5-d: "A runner is out when—The runner interferes intentionally with a throw or thrown ball, or interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball. If a double play is likely, and the runner intentionally interferes with the fielder who is attempting to field or throw the ball, both runner and batter-runner shall be declared out."
NFHS 8-4-2g: "Any runner is out when he—intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball; or he hinders a fielder on his initial attempt to field a batted ball...If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner including the batter-runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who interfered and the other runner involved)."

This close play at first base happened as well.

You've heard me say this a lot, but working the bases requires focus. For instance, our close "was it interference or not?" play in Milwaukee was immediately followed by a pitcher-covering-first situation, leaving a slew of questions: did the Colorado pitcher catch the ball before the runner got to the base? Did the pitcher slide his heel on the base or did he miss his tag entirely (was the ball in his glove at the time?)? If he did tag the base, where was the runner's foot at the time? And so forth.

As many of the followers of this site get ready for the second half of their HS seasons, and the upcoming summer baseball schedule make sure you expect the unexpected and then look like $1 million bucks by nailing the call. Until next time, have fun out there and happy umpiring!

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 042-43 - Marty Foster (1-2; CIN x2)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected Reds LF Jesse Winker and Manager David Bell (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the Reds-Mets game. With none out and none on, Reds batter Jesse Winker fouled off a first-pitch curveball from Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard before taking a 0-1 sinker for a called second strike. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.741, pz 3.39 [sz_top 3.40 / RAD 3.52]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Mets were leading, 1-0. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

These are Marty Foster (60)'s first and second ejections of 2019.
Marty Foster now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 6).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 2 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 2.076 horizontal and 2.592 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 42nd and 43rd ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 19th player ejection of 2019. Following the ejection, Winker was 0-4 (3 SO) in the contest.
This is the 19th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Cincinnati's 6/7th ejection of 2019, 1st in the NL Central (CIN 7; CHC, PIT 2; MIL, STL 1).
This is Jesse Winker's first career MLB ejection.
This is David Bell's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 17 (Nick Mahrley; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since September 21, 2018 (Travis Shaw; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets, 5/2/19 | Video as follows:

Major League Debut of Umpire John Bacon (70)

Umpire John Bacon made his MLB debut during Thursday's Reds-Mets game in New York, joining Acting Chief Ron Kulpa's crew as the second base umpire, alongside HP Umpire Marty Foster, 1B Umpire Gabe Morales, and 3B Umpire Kulpa. He replaced Jerry Meals, who officiated Wednesday's game at Citi Field.

Bacon is a crew chief on the 2019 International League umpire roster, which is his fourth year in Triple-A. After his graduation from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and stint in the Coastal Plain League, Bacon officiated the Gulf Coast (2008), Appalachian ('09-'10), Midwest ('10), Carolina ('11-'12), Southern ('12), Eastern ('13-'15), and Arizona Instructional ('13) before joining the International League in 2016.

He officiated the 2018 Arizona Fall League Championship Game, 2018 Triple-A National Championship Game, 2017 International League Postseason, and his first MLB Spring Training in 2017.

Bacon wears the sleeve number 70, which was last worn at the Major League level by DJ Reyburn, who switched to #17 one year after previous 17-wearer John Hirschbeck's retirement in 2016.

Bacon is the second rookie fill-in umpire to make his MLB debut during the 2019 regular season.
Related Post: Major League Debut of Umpire Brennan Miller (55) (4/20/19).

Bacon's most recent MiLB assignment was the May 1 Louisville-Toledo game at Toledo, where Bacon had the plate alongside crewmates Mike Wiseman and Richard Riley.

MLB Ejection 041 - Tim Timmons (1; Bruce Bochy)

HP Umpire Tim Timmons ejected Giants Manager Bruce Bochy (strike one call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Giants game. With one out and none on, Giants batter Buster Posey took a 1-0 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.48, pz 1.33 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.507 / MOE 1.424]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Tim Timmons (95)'s first ejection of 2019.
Tim Timmons now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 6 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 6).
*This pitch was located 1.128 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 41st ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 18th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is San Francisco's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st in the NL West (SF 3; ARI, COL, LAD, SD 1).
This is Bruce Bochy's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 18 (Ryan Additon; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Tim Timmons' first ejection since June 22, 2018 (Tommy Pham; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants, 5/1/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 040 - Paul Emmel (2; Aaron Boone)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (ball two/HBP no-call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the Yankees-Diamondbacks game. With none out and none on, Yankees batter Tyler Wade squared to bunt and pulled his bat back as Diamondbacks pitcher Yoan Lopez's 1-1 slider bounced in the dirt near Wade's left foot, ruled a ball. Having lost his Manager's Challenge on an upheld force play at second base in the top of the 5th inning, Yankees Manager Boone was unable to challenge the Wade pitch and unable to request a Crew Chief Review.* Replays indicate the pitch did not appear to contact Wade's foot, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-1. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Paul Emmel (50)'s second ejection of 2019.
Paul Emmel now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Paul Emmel now has -1 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -1).
*Commentary Critique: This play could not have been reviewed via video. In 2017, MLB changed its Replay Review Regulations for Crew Chief Reviews on non-home run calls for a team out of challenges. The 2014-16 rule stated these Crew Chief Reviews could begin in the 7th inning. In 2017, this was changed to the 8th inning. As such, Boone could not request a Crew Chief Review for this play, which occurred in the 7th inning (see: "Crew Chief Reviews Now Begin in the 8th Inning").
Related Post: 2017 Rules Mods, Including IBB Change, Announced (3/2/17).

This is the 40th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 17th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is New York's 2nd ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL East (BAL 3; NYY 2; TOR 1; BOS, TB 0).
This is Aaron Boone's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 20 (Jerry Meals; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Paul Emmel's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 21 (Mickey Callaway; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/1/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Disciplines Springer for Anti-Gay Slur at Ump

MLB disciplined Houston's George Springer for directing a vulgar anti-gar slur at Angel Hernandez after the umpire called the Astros batter out on strikes April 23, but declined to specify what, if any, fine had been imposed.

Baseball issued an undisclosed penalty.

Springer was caught on camera calling Hernandez a "f*ing c*cker" several minutes after striking out looking during the eighth inning of the April 23 Twins-Astros game.

In responding to an inquiry from Outsports, MLB wrote, "This inappropriate behavior was addressed with Mr. Springer and the Houston Astros and he has been disciplined." MLB did not provide Outsports with clarification to a follow-up query as to the specific punishment.

After returning to the dugout and witnessing a subsequent Jose Altuve home run, Springer directed his slur at Hernandez in a moment captured on the Astros broadcast.

We didn't expect a real-world example so soon.

MLB's statement contained no mention of a specific fine and we can surmise that Springer was not suspended by virtue of his not having missed a game since the incident. Other than Outsports' inquiry, MLB has not publicly acknowledged the incident.

In Episode 14, of The Plate Meeting Podcast, we discussed the issue of umpire abuse and a sports culture that fosters unchecked vitriol to such a degree as to tacitly encourage misbehavior. We even anticipated that fans would latch onto personal insults because their distaste for officials might overpower any sense of decorum, decency, and ability to accept an unfavorable outcome.

We just didn't expect to point to another example of this sad state the same day that we released the episode.

If you haven't yet listened to our podcast on sportsmanship, visit the following link.
Related Post: Podcast - Abuse & Sports with OSIP's Jack Furlong (5/1/19).

Outsports located several examples of fans applauding Springer for his vulgar comment, writing: "As upsetting as those two words can be to the LGBTQ community and its allies, it’s even sadder that Springer, saying them on camera, delighted so many straight fans."

Sidebar, What's the Problem? The issue is a slur used in the derogatory insult of "you are 'less than' because of this." For more, visit Slurs as the Shortcut of Discrimination from the Rivista di estetica journal.

Moral and right clashes with what's profitable.

Break with Precedent: By failing to publicly announce or specify Springer's penalty, MLB has broken with precedent it established in 2017, when it summarily suspended two players very shortly after their respective anti-gay slur incidents. In May 2017, the Blue Jays suspended CF Kevin Pillar two games for yelling an anti-gay slur at a Braves pitcher, while in August, MLB suspended A's outfielder Matt Joyce for two games for his homophobic slur directed at a fan in Anaheim.

Yet a player tosses such language at Hernandez, the one umpire whose very lawsuit initially alleged racial discrimination—and whose scope of allegations has since expanded to include ethnic- and gender-based discrimination in baseball—and we are left with, well, confirmation that biases still appear to exist in baseball, as if to spite Hernandez, MLB is willing to marginalize LGBTQ by appearing to depart from precedent or parity.
Related Post: Angel Hernandez Petitions Court for Permission to Speak Publicly About MLB's Alleged Discrimination (3/21/19).

History, Umpire Abuse: It's no secret that discipline for abuse of officials remains fairly insignificant. The latest public Union-League dispute occurred in September 2018, while in 2017, we catalogued the 2011-17 history of MLB-WUA discord, including the league's increased reluctance to discipline players and coaches for umpire abuse.
Related Post: MLBUA Calls for BOC Action After Latest Umpire Abuse (9/23/18).
Related Post: WUA-MLB Relations Deteriorate with New Umpire Protest (8/19/17).
Related Post: Psychology & Marketing - Why MLB Discipline is Weak (5/19/16).

A picture of a bunch of dollar signs over LA.

Footnote...Fines Can Be Tax Deductible: According to the MLBPA Basic Agreement, most fines for on-field conduct allow the player to choose whether to pay the fine to the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT) or the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, which are both charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

This essentially means that a player, such as Springer, who is fined, could deduct the fines as contributions or donations to a charitable organization. The so-called penalty thus is a tax-deductible charitable contribution.

Footnote...QOC: So...was Springer right about the call itself? According to the StatCast numbers for the strike three call in question, the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.28, pz 1.36 [sz_bot 1.56 / RAD 1.437 / MOE 1.354]). Pursuant to UEFL Miller Rule 6-2-b-2, the pitch falls within the acceptable margin-of-error-aided borderline range by just 0.072 inches; however, ball three immediately preceding the strikeout was located higher and in the strike zone without any consideration for margin-of-error (pz 1.55, sz_bot 1.65 / RAD 1.527]).

Which means Springer could have been called out on strikes when he took the 2-2 pitch and that would have been a correct call. Had RoboUmp officiated this at-bat, Springer would have struck out on 2-2.

Would he still have reacted if he struck out one pitch earlier as he did after the 3-2 strike three call? Just like MLB's precise punishment for Springer, we may never know.

Video as follows:

Podcast - Abuse & Sports with OSIP's Jack Furlong

Abuse of sports officials infects baseball from youth to MLB. Jack Furlong, Founder & President of Outstanding Sportsmanship is Paramount (OSIP) joins the Plate Meeting Podcast to discuss this rough atmosphere and how officials can address the worrisome trend.

The conversation begins with an overview of OSIP, resources for officials experiencing anxiety or abuse aftermath, and follows through to a societal trend toward not simply playing the blame game, but adding personal insults in an environment where very rarely do team personnel or fans actually know the targeted official personally.

We discuss techniques to counteract negativity, how to work with game participants to encourage a healthy atmosphere where not every call will be favorable for a given team, and how minor changes to language can bolster inclusivity and positive outcomes. Similarly, we discuss how a change of perspective and introduction of empathy can also make officiating and interaction with game personnel easier and more pleasant.

Click the below play (▶) button to listen to "Episode 14 - Umpire Abuse & Sportsmanship with OSIP's Jack Furlong" or visit the show online at https://anchor.fm/the-plate-meeting. The Plate Meeting is also available on iTunes (Apple Podcasts), Google, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and several other podcast apps.

Alternate Link: Episode 14 - Umpire Abuse & Sportsmanship with OSIP's Jack Furlong.

Additional Links, Videos, and Other Media:

The Plate Meeting is brought to you by OSIP, where Outstanding Sportsmanship Is Paramount.

Donate/Store Buttons	Support the UEFL	Shop the CCS Store.

Related Link: Officials Anonymous, 888-930-OSIP (888-930-6747) (5:30).
Related Link: National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) (9:00).
Related Post: WUA Calls for BOC Action After Latest Umpire Abuse (9/23/19) (18:30).
Related Link: "Opportunity" by The Jack Furlong Quartet - Jazz Album on CD Baby (38:00).
Related Post: Angel Hernandez, MLB, and Discrimination (Part 1) (7/12/17) (42:00).
Related Post: Angel Hernandez, MLB, and Discrimination (Part 2) (7/13/17) (42:00).
Related Post: Podcast - Episode 12 - The Jim Joyce Jubilee (4/2/19) (48:30).
Related Link: Nobody's Perfect: Two Men, One Call, and a Game for Baseball History (49:00).

Follow us on Twitter 🐦 (@UmpireEjections) and like on Facebook 👍 (/UmpireEjections).

MLB Ejection 039 - Jeff Nelson (2; Ian Desmond)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Rockies CF Ian Desmond (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the Rockies-Brewers game. With none out and none on, Desmond took a 2-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Zach Davies for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.88, pz 2.20) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 5-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s second ejection of 2019.
Jeff Nelson now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 0.408 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 39th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 18th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Desmond was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is Colorado's 1st ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the NL West (SF 2; ARI, COL, LAD, SD 1).
This is Ian Desmond's first ejection since June 4, 2010 (Joe West; QOC = Y-C [Out/Safe]).
This is Jeff Nelson's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 1 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 4/29/19 | Video as follows:

No Interference - Umpires Allow Beer Spilled on Player

A fan reaching out of the stands in New York dropped a cup of beer on Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun as he jumped in an attempt to catch Mets batter Pete Alonso's fly ball, resulting in a triple after Replay Review affirmed 3B Umpire Adam Hamari's original ruling that the fan did not interfere with play.

However, with Braun drenched in liquid evidence of wrongdoing, was a no-call the correct call?

The Play: Mets batter Alonso hit a fly ball to deep left-center field, where outfielder Braun jumped at the wall in an attempt to catch the batted ball as a fan reached below the railing and spilled his beer over Braun, who missed his catch and pursued the baseball, which at this point was rolling freely in left field. Alonso wound up cruising into third base as Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain pointed toward the stands and the offending fan.

Analysis: In discussing whether or not this was interference, it's always helpful to cite precedent.

In August 2018, a beer-bearing fan similarly interacted with a fielder in San Diego, though unlike Sunday in New York, the August 2018 play had a greater chance of actually depriving fielder Jon Jay with the opportunity to catch a batted ball, though replays ultimately were inconclusive as to whether the fan actually broke the plane separating the field from the spectator area.
Related Post: Fan Inter-Beer-ence - Baseball's Neutral Zone (8/18/18).

Victorino catches a ball as a beer cup flies by.

In August 2009, a fan, identified only as a pixel from the 1960's (real name: Johnny Macchione), threw a cup of beer at Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino as he tried to catch a batted ball. Victorino successfully caught the ball, despite the beer-throw, but a Cubs baserunner scored on the sacrifice fly. Pursuant to "nullify the act" doctrine, this was likely the proper outcome.

In 1988, another Cubs fan dropped some beer (just the liquid) onto Mets center fielder Lenny Dykstra as he attempted to catch a ball. Though Dykstra didn't catch the ball, replays indicate the beer bath didn't hinder his fielding effort.

Sunday Afternoon: This Bud's for Braun.

The Rule: Upon consulting the Definition of Terms, we are left with the following: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field."

As eluded to above, there are two elements to consider.

First, we must determine whether the fan reached out of the stands and over the playing field (or whether an object thrown by the spectator has entered the playing field). Because Braun was covered in the fan's misplaced liquid courage, it follows that, yes, the physical evidence is there to suggest that an object thrown by the fan (albeit unintentionally) did breach the vertical plane separating the spectator area from the playing field.

Second, we must judge whether or not this action has hindered a player's attempt to make a play on a live ball. Replays indicate both Braun and Cain pointed to the beer during live play, suggesting at least some hindrance did occur; however, as communicated visually by Crew Chief Tom Hallion after receiving a decision from New York, and affirmed by MLB's communication in confirming the on-field ruling, the Replay Official ruled that no interference occurred.

Hallion signals no home run and no INT.

Had the Replay Official deemed that interference did occur, Replay would have had the responsibility to place Alonso on the bases or to declare Alonso out so as to nullify the act of interference.

History of the Rule: MLB changed the definition of spectator interference prior to the 2018 season to account for the case where a fan may interfere with a player without actually touching the player or baseball. The old rule required physical contact.

Old Rule: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands and over the playing field, or goes on the playing field, and (1) touches a live ball or (2) touches a player and hinders an attempt to make a play on a live ball."
Related Post: MLB Changes Rules for Retired Runner, Fan Interference (3/25/18).

The penalty for spectator interference, as in Rule 6.01(e), was not changed: "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference."

Gil's Call: If the fan is wearing Mets apparel, that's interference. If the fan is wearing Brewers clothing, it's a legal play. That's not a statement of fact and it's definitely not the rule (by rule, I believe this was interference as the fielder was hindered in his pursuit of the uncaught ball and would have placed Alonso at second or third, depending on the unaired high-home camera angle [there's a chance Alonso would wind up at third base regardless]; to be clear, however, there was no interference on the initial catch/no catch issue), but calling the interference by the fan's team affiliation feels like the most just outcome...that if applied by an umpire during a game would surely land that umpire's ass in the jackpot.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 038 - Alfonso Marquez (2; Pete Walker)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected Blue Jays Pitching Coach Pete Walker (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 11th inning of the Athletics-Blue Jays game. With two out and one on (R1), A's batter Josh Phegley hit a 3-2 fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Thomas Pannone for a double to left field, scoring a run and resulting in a mound visit during which Walker was ejected. Replays indicate of the eight callable pitches preceding 10 callable pitches thrown during the top of the 11th inning, Marquez properly officiated nine of them (9/10 = 90% Accuracy), including all pitches thrown during the Phegley at-bat, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection the A's were leading, 3-1. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 11 innings.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s second ejection of 2019.
Alfonso Marquez now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has -3 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -3).
*A Balls/Strikes Exemption has been applied to this ejection pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-5-d-2.

This is the 38th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is Toronto's 1st ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the AL East (BAL 3; NYY, TOR 1; BOS, TB 0).
This is Pete Walker's first ejection since May 10, 2017 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Alfonso Marquez's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 13 (Mickey Callaway; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 4/28/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 037 - Tony Randazzo (2; Rick Renteria)

HP Umpire Tony Randazzo ejected White Sox Manager Rick Renteria (runner's lane interference call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Tigers-White Sox game. With none out and none on, White Sox batter Jose Abreu swung at and missed a 0-2 slider from Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd, running to first base as the uncaught third strike bounced in the dirt and Tigers catcher Grayson Greiner attempted a throw to first baseman Brandon Dixon, the throw striking Abreu in the back as he arrived at first base, resulting in an interference out call from HP Umpire Randazzo. Replays indicate Abreu failed to run within the three-foot runner's lane during his entire journey to first base, such that when he was struck by the thrown ball being fielded to first base prior to his arrival, he interfered with first baseman Dixon taking the throw at first base, the out call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 2-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Tony Randazzo (11)'s second ejection of 2019.
Tony Randazzo now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

*Rule 5.09(a)(11) states, "A batter is out for interference when—In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead."

*While 5.09(a)(11) Comment states, "The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base," the Wendelstedt interpretation of this rule states, "A runner that is running the entire distance outside of the running lane will not be protected if he interferes with a play at first base, even if it is in his last stride or step to the base. In order to be protected, this last step must be when he first exits the running lane." In other words, a runner cannot exit the lane if he is not first within the lane.

For a more in-depth discussion of runner's lane interference (RLI), including an explanation from MLB Crew Chief Ted Barrett on the RLI rule care of Baseball Rules Academy, see the following article.
Related Post: Runner's Lane Interference - 2018 World Series Edition (10/28/18).

This is the 37th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 16th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Chicago's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 3; KC 2; DET, MIN 1; CLE 0).
This is Rick Renteria's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 17 (Joe West; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Tony Randazzo's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 16 (Dave Martinez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox, 4/28/19 | Video as follows:

Repeat - Abreu Out for Passing Anderson During HR

Every once in awhile, an odd play occurs in MLB that we've seen before. Friday night, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu passed baserunner Tim Anderson during a home run, resulting in an RBI single—a passing Replay Review scenario we wrote extensively about during a 2016 Case Play in Chicago.

Friday, April 26, 2019: With R1 and R3 with one out, White Sox batter Jose Abreu hits a home run. Baserunner R1 Tim Anderson, afraid the high fly ball may be caught in the outfield, retreats to tag up at first base, causing Abreu to momentarily pass Anderson on the bases. Originally no-called by 1B Umpire Tony Randazzo, the ruling was overturned via Replay Review, upon which Abreu was declared out for having passed Anderson, granting Detroit an out and saving the Tigers one run.

After the game, White Sox Manager Rick Renteria said, "That's the first time I've ever seen it." Too bad Renteria wasn't the White Sox skipper before 2017.

Case Play 2016-11: Runners Passing.

September 10, 2016: Three years earlier, also in Chicago, with one out and one on (R1), White Sox batter Tyler Saladino hit a fly ball to left-center field, where the ball eluded Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson, bouncing on the warning track and out of play for a two-base award. Similarly, Chicago baserunner R1 Leury Garcia retreated toward first base during the fly ball, causing Saladino to pass him on the bases.

The difference here is that Royals Manager Ned Yost challenged that batter-runner Saladino had passed baserunner Garcia prior to the ball going out of play. Though Saladino did pass Garcia, he did not pass Garcia prior to the ball going out of play. For this reason, the passing no-call was confirmed.

A prior passing scenario during a HR.

Analysis: It doesn't matter if the ball is dead or not, but it does matter how the manager phrases his challenge. MLB Replay Review regulations require the challenging manager to specify exactly what aspect of the play he is challenging.

As we extensively discussed in 2016, Rule 5.06(b)(4)(l) Comment states that runners are not relieved of baserunning responsibilities during dead balls, and OBR 5.09(b)(9) holds that a runner is out when passing a preceding runner not yet retired. The passed runner, naturally, is unaffected by his teammate's illegal action.

Passing can occur during a dead ball, but with replay, the manager must request review of the entire sequence, not just that which concerns a live ball.
Related Post: Case Play 2016-11 - Time to Pass a Runner [Solved] (9/16/16).

After 2016, the MLB Umpire Manual for 2017 wrote, concerning runners passing runners, "Runners passing are not protected from being called out in accordance with Rule 5.09(b)(9) by time being called or other dead ball situation (i.e ground-rule double, home run, etc.) if they are still in the act of running the bases."

Abreu passes Anderson at first base.

Conclusion: What is especially noteworthy, again, is how the 2016 challenge was phrased vs the 2019 version. In its result summary, MLB in 2016 wrote, "After review, the ruling on the field is CONFIRMED. The runner was not passed by another runner prior to the ball going out of play." Friday night, MLB wrote, "After review, the call on the field is OVERTURNED. There was passing runners."

In sum, managers, don't be too specific with the challenges. Yes, that could create headaches for an umpire trying to figure out what is being challenged, but by getting too cute, a technicality could mean the difference between an out and a run.

This is what we wrote in 2016:

NFHS vs NCAA vs OBR: All codes agree, passing can occur during a dead ball. However, only NFHS does not treat runner passing during a dead ball as a time play. PLAY: With two outs and two on, B1 hits a home run. After R3 scores, B1 passes R1 on the bases. Undeterred, R1 completes his HR trot and touches home plate. RULING: In NFHS, R3 & R1's runs both count. In NCAA & OBR, only R3's run counts due to the timing of the third out. NOTE: If the bases are loaded with two outs and B1 walks on a 3-2 pitch, after which R1 passes R2, then R3's run shall count whether or not he touched home plate prior to the third out, since he was forced home.

Video as follows: