MLB Ejection 096 - Cory Blaser (2; Lance McCullers)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Astros bench player Lance McCullers Jr (check swing strike three call) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Yankees-#Astros game. With one out and one on (R1), Astros batter Yuli Gurriel attempted to check his swing on a 0-2 slider from Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, ruled a swinging third strike by HP Umpire Blaser. This play is under review by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was *PENDING*. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 1-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 1-0.


This is Cory Blaser (89)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Cory Blaser now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (-4 Prev + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).

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

This is the 96th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 35th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, McCullers did not appear in the game.

This is Houston's 3rd ejection of 2021, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 4; HOU 3; LAA, SEA, TEX 2).

This is Lance McCullers, Jr.' first career MLB ejection.

This is Cory Blasers' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 24 (David Ross; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros, 7/10/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 095 - Doug Eddings (1; Joey Votto)

3B Umpire Doug Eddings ejected Reds 1B Joey Votto (check swing strike three call) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Reds-#Brewers game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Reds batter Votto attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Brad Boxberger, called a ball by HP Umpire Gabe Morales and ruled a swinging strike on appeal by 3B Umpire Eddings. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Doug Eddings (88)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Doug Eddings now has x points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).

Crew Chief Doug Eddings now has ? points in Crew Division (4 Previous + ? Call = ?).

Also from this game: MLB Ejections 093-94 - Gabe Morales, John Libka (Counsell, Yelich).

This is the 95th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 34th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Votto was 0-3 (2 SO) in the contest.

This is Cincinnati's 7th ejection of 2021, 2nd in the NL Central (MIL 9; CIN 7; CHC 4; PIT 3; STL 2).

This is Joey Votto's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 19 (Ryan Additon; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Doug Eddings' 1st ejection since September 10, 2020 (Max Muncy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7/10/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 093-94 - Morales, Libka (MIL x2)

HP Umpire Gabe Morales ejected Brewers manager Craig Counsell (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 6th and 1B Umpire John Libka ejected Brewers LF Christian Yelich (out call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Reds-#Brewers game. In the top of the 6th, Reds batter Jonathan India was hit by a pitch, Jesse Winker singled, and Nick Castellanos hit a home run; Counsell was ejected during the ensuing pitching change in which Brent Suter replaced Freddy Peralta. Replays indicate of the five callable pitches in the half inning preceding ejection, HP Umpire Morales' officiated five correctly (5/5 = 100% accuracy), the call was correct.

In the bottom of the 6th, with none out and none on, Brewers batter Yelich bunted a first-pitch fastball from Reds pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez on the ground to Gutierrez, who threw wildly to first base. As Yelich stood down the right field line, Reds second baseman Jonathan India, who had retrieved the ball, tagged Yelich. Replays indicate Yelich, after overrunning first base, made a motion to indicate an attempt to run to second before stopping his motion and remaining down the right field line, the call was correct.* At the time of both ejections, the Reds were leading, 3-1. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Gabe Morales (47)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

This is John Libka (84)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Gabe Morales now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).

John Libka now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 12).

Crew Chief Doug Eddings now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 QOCY = 4).

*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(11) declares a runner is out when the runner "fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base. If the runner attempts to run to second they are out when tagged."

Also from this game: Ejection 095 - Doug Eddings (Joey Votto [Check Swing]).

These are the 93rd and 94th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 47th manager ejection of 2021.

This is the 33rd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Yelich was 2-3 in the contest.

This is Milwaukee's 8/9th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 9; CIN 6; CHC 4; PIT 3; STL 2).

This is Craig Counsell's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 18 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Christian Yelich's 1st ejection since May 9, 2017 (Andy Fletcher; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Gabe Morales' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 6 (Phil Nevin; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 20 (Luis Rojas; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7/10/21 | Video as follows:

Checking in With RoboUmp's Auto Ball/Strike System

We check in with the MLB-partnered Atlantic League's automated ball/strike system (ABS) experiment colloquially referred to as RoboUmp during a recent Lexington Legends vs Lancaster Barnstormers series and find, similar to when the computerized umpire test began severals ago in the ALPB, that RoboUmp appears to still have trouble calling balls and strikes.

Because, frankly, we just don't have the time to sit through an entire game looking for close calls, we found a random smattering of...interesting...decisions by ABS, including a strike three call on a pitch that, well, let's just say evaded detection by the broadcast crew for a good period of time after the delayed strike three mechanic was actually made. 

Jordan Pacheco, the batter called for the strikeout, took to Twitter to express his frustration: "Thank you @MLB for putting the automated strike zone in the @AtlanticLg."

So much for that Trackman-to-Hawkeye upgrade. For a collection of articles about the computer strike zone, the Atlantic League, and beyond (including links to articles that contain video highlighting RoboUmp's best plate work), visit the following article.

Related Post: MLB Announces Atlantic League as First Partner (9/23/20).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 092 - David Rackley (1; Jose Alvarez)

HP Umpire David Rackley ejected Giants pitcher Jose Alvarez (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Nationals-#Giants game. With none out and none on, Nationals batter Juan Soto singled, Josh Bell walked, Starlin Castro lined out, and Tres Barrera tripled; Alvarez was ejected during a pitching change. Replays indicate of the 11 callable pitches thrown by Alvarez during his appearance, Rackley officiated 11 properly (11/11 = 100% accuracy; closest pitch: ball one to Bell [px -0.50, pz 1.57 {sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51 / MOE 1.59}]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 3-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is David Rackley (86)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

David Rackley now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 5).

Crew Chief Marvin Hudson now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 QOCY = 5).

This is the 92nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 32nd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Alvarez's line was 0.1 IP, 3 ER, BB.

This is San Francisco's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL West (SD 9; ARI 3; COL, SF 2; LAD 1).

This is Jose Alvarez's first career MLB ejection.

This is David Rackley's 1st ejection since September 1, 2019 (Brad Ausmus; QOC = N [Balk]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants, 7/9/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 091 - James Hoye (2; Terry Francona)

3B Umpire James Hoye ejected Indians manager Terry Francona (out call/two runners in contact with a base; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Royals-#Indians game. With none out and two on (R1, R3), Indians batter Amed Rosario hit a first-pitch changeup from Royals pitcher Brad Keller on the ground to shortstop Nicky Lopez who threw to catcher Salvador Perez as Indians baserunner R3 Daniel Johnson ran in between third and home. Perez ran Johnson back to third base as trailing runner R1 Cesar Hernandez slid into third; Perez tagged both players, with Hoye ruling both runners out—following runner Hernandez for being tagged while two runners were in contact with the same base and preceding runner Johnson out as Johnson broke contact with third base after the initial tag attempt. Replays indicate following runner Hernandez was not tagged while preceding runner Johnson was also in contact with the base, while preceding runner Johnson was tagged while off his base, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is James Hoye (92)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

James Hoye now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 2).

Crew Chief James Hoye now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 QOCN = 3).

*Official Baseball Rule 5.06(a)(2): "Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching a base, the following runner shall be out when tagged and the preceding runner is entitled to the base, unless Rule 5.06(b)(2) applies." OBR 5.06(b)(2) simply states that in a force play situation, the leading runner forced to advance (the preceding runner) is out when tagged and the following runner is entitled to the forced base.

This is the 91st ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 46th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Cleveland's 1st ejection of 2021, 4th in the AL Central (KC, MIN 4; CWS 2; CLE 1; DET 0).

This is Terry Francona's 1st ejection since May 25, 2019 (Eric Cooper; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is James Hoye's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 30 (Phillip Evans; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Indians, 7/9/21 | Video as follows:

Teachable - Chris Segal's Foul Line Pickoff Play

On this edition of Tmac's Teachable Moments, 3B Umpire Chris Segal has an out call upheld on Padres baserunner Jurickson Profar's slide into third base against the Dodgers.

Los Angeles appeared to have Profar picked off on a throw to second as middle infielder Chris Taylor held the ball with Profar well off of second base. 3B Umpire Segal therefore knows a tag is coming and puts himself into position behind the base, in line to see third baseman Justin Turner's timely tag, an out call upheld via Replay Review.

By moving into foul territory, effectively along the second-to-third baseline extended, Segal ensured a look at the keyhole angle necessary to see Turner's tag on Profar's hand before Profar made contact with third base. One might even say Segal found himself a bird's eye view.

Video as follows:

2021 MLB All-Star Game Umpires

Major League Baseball assigned the following umpires to officiate the 2021 MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Tom Hallion will serve as crew chief and home plate umpire.

HP Umpire: Tom Hallion (3rd All-Star Game).

1B Umpire: CB Bucknor (2nd ASG).

2B Umpire: Chris Guccione (2nd ASG).

3B Umpire: Lance Barrett (1st ASG).

LF Umpire: David Rackley (1st ASG).

RF Umpire: Adam Hamari (1st ASG).

Replay Official: Greg Gibson (not the HP umpire).

Pursuant to UEFL Rule 2-2-a, all All-Star Game umpires will receive one League point for appearing in the contest (two for the crew chief). No points are awarded to the Replay Official (must "appear in that game").

Double-A Umpires assigned to the All-Star Futures Game include:

HP Umpire: Darius Ghani.

1B Umpire: Michael Rains.

2B Umpire: Mark Stewart.

3B Umpire: Sam Burch.

These Futures Game umpires will also officiate the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game and Home Run Derby.

Triple-A cancelled its 2021 All-Star Game, so no umpires were assigned to it.

El Paso Coach Ejected After Team Refuses to Play

HP Umpire Lew Williams ejected Chihuahuas 3B coach Oscar Salazar while enforcing baseball's pace of play batter's box rule as El Paso unsuccessfully tried to delay a game from becoming official in the top of the 5th inning and Albuquerque leading, 3-0.

With none out and one on (R2), El Paso batter Taylor Kohlwey refused to take his position in the batter's box, with broadcasters speculating that manager Edwin Rodriguez had ordered Kohlwey away from home plate.

Notably, while speculation reigned that Rodriguez's argument pertained to lightning in the area and potentially not wanting to place a batter onto the open field, it bears mention that El Paso baserunner R2 Matt Batten remained on second base and both base coaches remained in their positions during this peculiar standoff near home plate.

Regardless, as Official Baseball Rule 4.03(e) states, "the umpires are in charge of the playing field and from [the moment lineups are exchanged] the umpire-in-chief shall have sole authority to determine when a game shall be called, suspended, or resumed on account of weather."

Williams, having consulted with Triple-A West crewmates Justin Robinson and Clayton Hamm, and having determined the game shall proceed, then turned to OBR 5.04(b)(3) regarding a batter's refusal to occupy the batter's box and called automatic strikes, three of which turned into an automatic out.

After Williams possibly reminded or warned of OBR 7.03(a)(2) and (3) which allow umpires to forfeit a game if a team refuses to continue play or "employs tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the game," manager Rodriguez sent ensuing batter Ivan Castillo to the plate to resume play with an out charged to the team due to Kohlwey's repeated refusal to enter the box.

3B coach Salazar continued to argue and was summarily dismissed, with El Paso going on to score three runs in the frame before the now-tied game was officially suspended due to weather.

Wrap: El Paso Chihuahuas vs. Albuquerque Isotopes, 7/6/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 090 - Nic Lentz (2; David Ross)

HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Cubs manager David Ross (ball four call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Phillies-#Cubs game. With none out and none on, Phillies batter Bryce Harper took a 3-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Rex Brothers for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.36, pz 1.43 [sz_bot 1.60 / RAD 1.48 / MOE 1.56]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 13-3.

This is Nic Lentz (59)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Nic Lentz now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).

Crew Chief Joe West now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 0).

*This pitch was located 1.56 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 90th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 45th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Chicago's 4th ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL Central (MIL 7; CIN 6; CHC 4; PIT 3; STL 2).

This is David Ross' 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 23 (Erich Bacchus; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nic Lentz's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 8 (Jayce Tingler; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs, 7/5/21 | Video as follows:

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: