Teachable - Laz Hedges the Wedge & Keeps the Keyhole

In this Teachable Moment, tmac follows HP Umpire Laz Diaz on a play at the plate as Nationals runner Josh Bell attempts to score on a single to left field as Rays catcher Mike Zunino fields Randy Arozarena's throw and dives to tag the sliding baserunner.

This upheld Replay Review play from the Washington-Tampa Bay series features an umpire adjusting their position at home plate based on the catcher's actions in receiving the ball and where the umpire believes the tag attempt will most likely occur as a result of the catcher's movement.

Diaz sees catcher Zunino move to his left (into foul territory) to field the throw, so Diaz moves to his right (toward fair territory [extended]) to preserve the keyhole angle and the view that will provide the best evidence for determining whether or not the runner is out. In this case, Diaz rules the runner out and this call is upheld.

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Diaz laterally shuffles to find an angle for a play at home plate in TB (CCS)