MLB Ejection 089 - Tom Hallion (2; Ethan Katz)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Tigers game. With two out and the bases loaded, Tigers batter Zack Short took a 0-1 cutter from White Sox pitcher Ryan Burr for a called first ball and 3-2 fastball from Burr for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch, ruled ball one, was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.54, pz 1.45 [sz_bot 1.50 / RAD 1.38 / MOE 1.46]) while the 3-2 pitch, ruled ball four, was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.59, pz 3.29 [sz_top 3.30 / RAD 3.42 / MOE 3.34]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 7-5. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 11-5.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Tom Hallion now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 QOCN = 2).

*The 3-2 pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 89th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Chicago's 2nd ejection of 2021, 3rd in the AL Central (KC, MIN 4; CWS 2; CLE, DET 0).

This is Ethan Katz's first career MLB ejection.

This is Tom Hallion's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 21 (Jayce Tingler; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, 7/3/21 | Video as follows:

Umpire Mechanics Spotlighted During Mariners Game

During a fly ball to center field Friday night, Mariners broadcasters Dave Sims and Mike Blowers zeroed in on the umpiring crew, tracing 2B Umpire Adam Hamari, 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson, and HP Umpire John Tumpane as they moved to make a call on Rangers batter Adolis Garcia's attempted double in Seattle.

With none out and none on, Garcia hit a batted ball to Mariners center fielder Taylor Trammel, who attempted to dive to catch the fly. 2B Umpire Hamari, having gone out to rule on the trouble ball, properly ruled "no catch" using a standard arms-spread safe mechanic. With Hamari out of the infield, 3B Umpire Johnson ran to cover Hamari's vacated base at second, where Johnson would ultimately call Garcia out as he unsuccessfully attempted to turn a single into a hustle double.

Rounding out the umpiring movements, HP Umpire Tumpane jogged into third base to cover for Johnson, preparing for the potential play if, say, Trammel had overthrown shortstop JP Crawford, leading batter-runner Garcia to try for third base.

With Garcia out at second base, 1B Umpire Sean Barber remained at first base in case Garcia had tried to run back to first to avoid a tag. Had Garcia slid safely into second base and attempted to advance to third, Barber would have run to home plate, covering for Tumpane, who was covering for Johnson, who was covering for Hamari.

Umpire training programs, such as umpire school, camp, and otherwise, teach the movement/rotation/coverage system Friday night's crew employed in Seattle; it is also codified in the MLB Umpire Manual. The next time you're at a baseball game, watch the umpires when a ball is hit toward the outfield and one of the crew who has responsibility for such matters goes into the outfield; the rest of the crew will backfill based on the prescribed mechanics, showing that hustle is still key even for the officials in order to have every potential play covered.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 086-88 - Dan Iassogna (2-4; MIA x3)

2B Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, and manager Don Mattingly (throwing at Braves batter Ronald Acuña and arguing ejection) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Marlins-#Braves game. With none out and none on, Braves leadoff batter Acuña took a first-pitch sinker from Lopez for a hit-by-pitch, as called by HP Umpire Andy Fletcher. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Acuña in the left upper body; warnings had not previously been issued (it was the first pitch of the Marlins' defensive game), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the game was tied, 0-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

These are Dan Iassogna (58)'s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ejections of 2021.

Dan Iassogna now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 0 QOCU] = 7).

Crew Chief Dan Iassogna now has 8 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 3 Irrecusable = 8).

These are the 85th, 86th, and 87th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Miami's 3/4/5th ejection of 2021, T-1st in the NL East (MIA, PHI 5; NYM 4; WAS 2; ATL 0).

This is Pablo Lopez's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mel Stottlemyre's 1st ejection since July 18, 2017 (Dan Bellino; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Don Mattingly's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 12 (Tim Timmons; QOC = N-c [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 7/2/21 | Video as follows:

Teachable - Lentz Takes the Time on SB Attempt

In this Teachable Moment, tmac looks at 2B Umpire Nic Lentz' officiating of a stolen base attempt at second during a Cardinals-White Sox game. When St. Louis baserunner Edmundo Sosa attempts to steal, Chicago catcher Yasmani Grandal throws to shortstop Tim Anderson, who attempts to keep the tag on Sosa as he completes the slide...but did he overslide?

On a play that goes to Replay Review and comes back as confirmed as signaled by Crew Chief Joe West, Lentz quickly adjusts his positioning at second base to gain the optimum angle to officiate this play and to see whether runner Sosa will be able to remain on the bag or not.

As fate would have it, Sosa overslides, Anderson tags Sosa while the runner is not in contact with second base, and the play is officiated and reviewed in an easier fashion than might otherwise appear had proper timing not been involved.

Video as follows:

CHC-MIL Runner's Lane Interference No-Call Analysis

In this Ask the UEFL, we consider a possible runner's lane interference play in Milwaukee after Brewers batter-runner Tyrone Taylor collided with Cubs first baseman Patrick Wisdom, no-called by HP Umpire Jeremie Rehak.

You'll recall that Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11) requires several elements for RLI:

> Ball is being fielded to first base.

> Batter-runner fails to run within 45' lane.

> In doing so, interferes with fielder taking the throw.

> Throw could have otherwise reasonably retired runner.

Additionally, if the runner entered the lane legally and ran within it or on the foul line the entire length of the 45' lane, the runner is allowed to exit the lane "in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base."

Did OBR 5.09(a)(11) apply here and if so why didn't Rehak call Taylor for interference?

First and foremost, we establish that (1) the ball was being fielded to first base by virtue of pitcher Jake Arrieta's throw to first baseman Wisdom. Second (2), batter-runner Taylor failed to run within the lane. Third (3), although Wisdom failed to catch the throw, was this due to illegal hindrance from Taylor? Your mileage may vary. Fourth (4), because the throw glanced off Wisdom's mitt, he likely would have otherwise been able to catch the ball and retired the runner (reasonable).

So the only question is whether Taylor impeded Wisdom in catching the ball. If your answer is yes, this is runner's lane interference. If no, this is a no-call.

We also look at Rehak's positioning on this play. It's critical that the play begins with a runner on third base because that means Rehak has to stay point of plate (or thereabouts) in anticipation of a potential tag play: tags at home are more important than potential RLI at first. Only when Rehak reads Arrieta's commitment to first base does he shift to first baseline extended.

Unfortunately, that's too late as the runner is already nearing their last stride to first base. With no definitive knowledge as to whether the runner was legal prior to this last stride, the umpire errs on the side of granting Taylor last stride exit protection (which Taylor was not entitled to, but would have required seeing the totality of the play to judge).

Discussion question: Could the first base umpire have helped here? Does it matter when the expected call appeared to be a no-call, with Cubs manager David Ross not arguing the no-call and the broadcast appearing not to pick up on the potential for RLI.

Video as follows:

June 2021 Call of the Month - Sean Barber's Position Slide

For the month of June 2021, Tmac has selected 3B Umpire Sean Barber's Father's Day safe call on a tag play in New York as Yankees baserunner Gary Sanchez steps around A's third baseman Matt Chapman and eludes the tag, with Barber scrambling around the base to officiate the play.

With Chapman falling down to field Oakland's throw to third, Sanchez jogs into third base standing up, eventually running by third base before diving back to get his hand into the base while still avoiding Chapman's tag attempt.

Barber's call, ultimately upheld via Replay Review, involves adjusting one's position to gain the best angle to see whether or not the fielder tagged the runner.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 085 - CB Bucknor (1; Brent Strom)

HP Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Astros pitching coach Brent Strom (ball three call; QOCN) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Orioles-#Astros game. With none out and one on, Orioles batter Trey Mancini took a 2-1 slider from Astros pitcher Luis Garcia for a called third ball before walking on a subsequent pitch; Strom was ejected during a mound visit. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -0.57, pz 1.84 [sz_bot 1.60 / RAD 1.48 / MOE 1.56]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is CB Bucknor (54)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

CB Bucknor now has -3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -3).

Crew Chief Kerwin Danley now has 9 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 0 QOCN = 9).

*This pitch was located 3.36 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 84th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Houston's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 4; HOU, LAA, SEA, TEX 2).

This is Brent Strom's 1st ejection since February 26, 2020 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

This is CB Bucknor's 1st ejection since May 7, 2019 (Anthony Rendon; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Houston Astros, 6/30/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 084 - Jeremie Rehak (2; Andy Haines)

HP Umpire Jeremy Rehak ejected Brewers hitting coach Andy Haines (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Cubs-#Brewers game. With one out and the bases loaded, Brewers batter Christian Yelich took a 1-2 slider from Cubs pitcher Tommy Nance for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.29, pz 1.66 [sz_bot 1.76 / 1.64 / MOE 1.55]) 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, 10-7. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 15-7.

This is Jeremie Rehak (35)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.
Jeremie Rehak now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

*This pitch was located 1.27 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 84th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Milwakee's 7th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 7; CIN 6; CHC, PIT 3; STL 2).

This is Andy Haines' 1st ejection since Sept 4, 2020 (Jerry Meals; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is Jeremy Rehak's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 8 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 6/30/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 083 - Hunter Wendelstedt (3; Eric Hosmer)

HP Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Padres 1B Eric Hosmer (check swing strike one call) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Padres-#Reds game. With two out and one on (R1), Padres batter Tommy Pham attempted to check his swing on a first-pitch curveball from Reds pitcher Sean Doolittle, ruled a swinging first strike by HP Umpire Wendelstedt. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 5-4. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Hunter Wendelstedt now has X points in the UEFL Standings (13 Prev + 2 MLB + ? Call = X).

Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt now has X points in Crew Division (8 Prev + ? Call = X).

This is the 83rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 30th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Hosmer was 1-3 in the contest.

This is San Diego's 9th ejection of 2021, 1st in MLB/NL West (SD 9; ARI 3; COL 2; LAD, SF 1).

This is Eric Hosmer's 1st ejection since Sept 5, 2020 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Wendelstedt's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 5 (Jurickson Profar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. Cincinnati Reds, 6/29/21 | Video as follows:

Crew Consultation & Getting It Right - Heyward's Foul HR

When 3B Umpire DJ Reyburn's initial home run call on Cubs batter Jason Heyward's drive into the left field stands at Dodger Stadium was changed to that of foul ball, eventually confirmed via Replay Review, it illustrated the officiating axiom of getting the call right as a priority.

To review, Heyward led off the 7th inning of Saturday's Cubs-Dodgers game in Los Angeles by hitting Dodgers pitcher Garrett Cleavinger's 1-2 slider into the grandstand beyond the left field corner and near the foul pole. 3B Umpire Reyburn initially signaled fair and home run, but 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Brian O'Nora's crew convened and Reyburn reversed the original ruling to an on-field call of foul ball.

The on-field call went to Replay Review, which confirmed the foul ball call, as video evidence indicated the batted ball left the playing field to the foul territory side of the foul pole; the white ball crossed over the yellow pole from camera angles near the infield.

In 2018, we first discussed the MLB Umpire Manual's entry for Crew Consultation and Getting the Call Right, and it bears repeating here.

Related Post: Rectify - Crew Consultation and Getting the Call Right (5/24/18).

In 2017, we discussed the importance of the call on the field—which is why getting together as a crew to get the call right before going to Replay Review is so important.

Related Post: Crew Consultation - Importance of the Call on the Field (6/22/17).

Official Baseball Rule 8.02(c) further allows for rectifying a play after reversing an initial call. The main idea is that the original umpire may consult crewmates—asking for help, as it were—in several specific situations, one of which is ruling fair/foul on a ball that leaves the playing field in flight: HR or foul ball. 

Although no umpire shall seek to overturn or overrule a crewmate, the calling umpire may, in certain circumstances such as HR vs foul, ask for help and upon receiving this information decide whether or not to change their original call.

Thus, Reyburn determined based on additional information supplied by the crew that the batted ball was foul and Reyburn accordingly changed his initial home run call to that of foul ball, a decision and a call that was confirmed by Replay Review when the Replay Official determined the ball did indeed conclusively, with clear and convincing visual evidence, leave the field in foul territory.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 082 - Phil Cuzzi (2; Hector Santiago)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago (foreign substance) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Mariners-#WhiteSox game. With one out and two on, Santiago walked White Sox batter Luis Gonzalez, after which manager Scott Servais made a pitching change. As Santiago walked off the field, pursuant to MLB's circa 6/21/21 foreign substance enforcement protocols, the umpires inspected, amongst others, Santiago's hat and glove, with the umpires locating an illegal substance on Santiago's glove, Cuzzi ejecting Santiago pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c) regarding foreign substances. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Phil Cuzzi now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).

Crew Chief Phil Cuzzi now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 QOCU = 3).

*OBR 6.02(c): "The pitcher shall not have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance."

Penalty: Immediate ejection, automatic suspension for 10 days.

This is the 82nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 29th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Santiago's line was 2.1 IP, ER.

This is Seattle's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 4; LAA, SEA, TEX 2; HOU 1).

This is Hector Santiago's 1st ejection since May 20, 2016 (John Tumpane; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Phil Cuzzi's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 14 (Bud Black; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox, 6/27/21 | Video as follows: