MLB Ejection 176 - Chad Whitson (2; Willson Contreras)

HP Umpire Chad Whitson ejected Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Cubs-#Brewers game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Contreras took a 3-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Josh Hader for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.60, pz 1.85 [sz_bot 1.54 / RAD 1.42 / MOE 1.33]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 6-4. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Chad Whitson (62)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Chad Whitson now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

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

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

*This pitch was located 6.19 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 176th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 71st player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Contreras was 1-4 (SO) in the contest.

This is Chicago's 8th ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL Central (MIL 16; CIN 12; CHC 8; STL 3; PIT 3).

This is Willson Contreras' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since July 24 (Pat Hoberg; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Chad Whitson's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 3 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/18/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 175 - James Hoye (3; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Athletics manager Bob Melvin (Replay Review decision that overturned 1B Umpire Erich Bacchus' out call at first base) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Athletics-#Angels game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Angels batter Luis Rengifo hit 2-2 changeup from A's pitcher Deolis Guerra on the ground to first baseman Matt Olson, who threw to shortstop Elvis Andrus to retire Angels baserunner R1 Jared Walsh, and onto first base as Rengifo arrived, originally ruled out. Upon Replay Review as the result of a manager's challenge by Angels manager Joe Maddon, Bacchus' out call was overturned to safe. Replays indicate A's pitcher Guerra did not maintain possession of the ball as necessary to establish a catch for the required tag of first base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 3-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is James Hoye (92)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

James Hoye now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 5).

Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 175th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 80th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Oakland's 6th ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL West (OAK 6; SEA 5; HOU, TEX 4; LAA 3).

This is Bob Melvin's 5th ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 28 (Tony Randazzo; QOC = N [Replay Review]).

This is James Hoye's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since July 9 (Terry Francona; QOC = N [Out/Safe]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels of Wasting Trout's Contract, 9/18/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 174 - Phil Cuzzi (3; Jayce Tingler)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Padres manager Jayce Tingler (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Padres-#Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Padres batter Fernando Tatis took a 3-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.24, pz 3.51 [sz_top 3.80 / RAD 3.92 / MOE 4.01]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 2-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Phil Cuzzi now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 QOCY = 4).

This pitch was located 6.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 174th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 79th manager ejection of 2021.

This is San Diego's 17th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL West (SD 17; ARI 5; LAD 4; COL 3; SF 2).

This is Jayce Tingler's 7th ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 20 (Doug Eddings; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Phil Cuzzi's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 27 (Hector Santiago; QOC = U [Foreign Substance]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. St Louis Cardinals, 9/18/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Brian O'Nora Exits Due to Health Issue

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora left Saturday's #Dodgers-#Reds game after an undisclosed health issue in the 4th inning. Los Angeles reported that O'Nora was feeling lightheaded.

After calling Dodgers batter Max Muncy out on strikes to end the top half of the 4th inning, O'Nora exited the field and, after a delay, was replaced behind home plate by 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth. 1B Umpire Ryan Blakney remained at first base while 3B Umpire Dan Iassogna remained at third base.

Relevant Injury History: O'Nora previously left a game due to a medical emergency after an intestinal tear suffered during the April 26, 2013 Phillies-Mets game.

Related Post: Serious Medical Condition: O'Nora Tears Intestine, West In (5/2/13).

Last Game: Sept 18 | Return to Play: 2022 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 173 - Carlos Torres (1; Joe Girardi)

3B Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Phillies manager Joe Girardi (check swing strike two call) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Phillies-#Mets game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Phillies batter Matt Joyce attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 fastball from Mets pitcher Seth Lugo, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Roberto Ortiz and called a swinging strike on appeal by 3B Umpire Torres. This play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (0-8), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 3-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Carlos Torres (37)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

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

Crew Chief CB Bucknor now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).

This is the 173rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 78th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Philadelphia's 9th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL East (PHI 9; MIA, NYM 7; WAS 6; ATL 1).

This is Joe Girardi's 4th ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 12 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Carlos Torres' 1st ejection since August 13, 2020 (Stephen Strasburg; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets, 9/17/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 171-172 - Bill Welke (3-4; CWS x2)

2B Umpire Bill Welke ejected White Sox pitcher Mike Wright and manager Tony La Russa (throwing at Angels batter Shohei Ohtani) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Angels-#WhiteSox game. With two out and none on, Angels batter Ohtani took a 2-1 fastball from Wright for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Ohtani on the lower leg; warnings had not previously been issued and Ohtani was the second hit batsman of the game, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Angels were leading, 9-3. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

These are Bill Welke (3)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2021.

Bill Welke now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 9).

Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 QOCU = 4).

These are the 171st and 172nd ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 70th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Wright's line was 0.2 IP, HBP.

This is the 77th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Chicago's 7/8th ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 8; KC, MIN 5; CLE, DET 2).

This is Mike Wright's first career MLB ejection.

This is Tony La Russa's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 15 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Welke's 3/4th ejection of 2021, 1st since Sept 4 (Carter Kieboom; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Ohtani vs. Chicago White Sox, 9/16/21 | Video as follows:

Tim Timmons Orders O's Grounds Crew Off the Field

Although "umpire ejects grounds crew" might be an attention-grabbing headline, Crew Chief Tim Timmons' order for Baltimore's tarp crew to exit the field during play Wednesday vs New York was actually an invocation of Official Baseball Rule 8.01(e) regarding umpire qualifications and authority.

To review, Timmons noticed Baltimore's grounds crew had gathered behind the on-field tarp during a 9th inning Replay Review and, despite impending rain, directed the crew to leave the playing field.

The umpire's authority for such a call is found in OBR 8.01(e), which states, "Each umpire has authority at their discretion to eject from the playing field (1) any person whose duties permit their presence on the field, such as ground crew members, ushers, photographers, newsmen, broadcasting crew members, etc., and (2) any spectator or other person not authorized to be on the playing field."

As for the why of Timmons' decision, the answer is twofold: player/staff safety and interference.

The sheer number of people that staged and crouched behind the tarp, on the field, created a potential hazard. For instance, if a ball were to have been hit toward the tarp, or, moreover, a player attempted to make a play at the tarp, the assembled Orioles grounds crew would have no means of escape from their positions. This means that a generally brilliant diving play by an outfielder at the tarp would instead likely result in injury, either to the player and/or grounds crew.

With the proven athleticism of MLB players, this remained a key possibility.

The other concern is interference wherein a ball that might usually bounce into and out of the tarp area might instead connect with a grounds crew staffer and get stuck. This likely would be unintentional interference to be sure, but given the option of potential unintentional interference or no interference, the preference is clear.

Finally, as for the inclement weather concern, the rain fell in Baltimore for nary a few minutes after which it let up: by the time Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman recorded the final strikeout of the night several outs after the tarp event, it was not raining anymore.

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Junior Valentine Stays in After Throw to Head

After being struck in the upper right jaw by an errant throw, 1B Umpire Junior Valentine stayed in Monday's #Cardinals-#Mets game as the first base umpire was blindsided by St Louis shortstop Edmundo Sosa's attempt to retire Mets batter Kevin Pillar when the throw missed first base by a significant margin.

With none out and in the top of the 2nd inning, Pillar hit a 1-0 cutter from Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright on the ground to Sosa, who ranged into shallow center field to retrieve the ball before unleashing an errant throw that wound up striking Valentine in the side of the head, dropping the umpire to the ground.

After a visit from the Mets training staff and crewmates, Valentine remained in the game with a visible bruise where the ball had drawn blood above his right cheek.

Relevant Injury History: There is no relevant injury history.

Time Absent: None | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 170 - Jeff Nelson (5; Rocco Baldelli)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Twins-#Yankees game. With two out and one on (R1), Yankees batter Brett Gardner took a 3-2 knuckle curve from Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the upper midpoint (px 0.57, pz 3.30 [sz_top 3.32 / RAD 3.44 / MOE 3.36]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 5-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s 5th ejection of 2021.

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

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

*This pitch was located 0.72 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 170th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 76th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Minnesota's 5th ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the AL Central (CWS 6; KC, MIN 5; CLE, DET 2).

This is Rocco Baldelli's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 18 (Jim Reynolds; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

This is Jeff Nelson's 5th ejection of 2021, 1st since Sept 5 (Aaron Boone; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees, 9/13/21 | Video as follows:

Teachable - Chris Segal's Sacrifice Pop Up Play at the Plate

This Tmac's Teachable Moment follows HP Umpire Chris Segal as officiating's Birdman calls Brewers baserunner Kolten Wong safe on a close play at home plate during a tag-up on a foul fly ball to Washington first baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

The Play: With one out and two on (R1, R3), Brewers batter Omar Narvaez hit a fly ball into foul territory in front of the first-base dugout in Milwaukee. Nationals first baseman Zimmerman caught the fly ball to retire Narvaez as Brewers baserunner R3 Wong tagged up and attempted to score, Wong sliding into home plate just before Zimmerman was able to apply a tag.

Umpiring Analysis: For plate umpire Segal, staying at home plate instead of drifting toward foul territory to rule on the fly ball ensured the umpire was in the best starting position to rule on Wong's slide at home. 3B Umpire Mark Carlson at third base lined up Wong's departure to ensure its timelines while 1B Umpire Jordan Baker covered routine-turned-de-facto "sacrifice fly" in foul territory and 2B Umpire James Hoye prepared to rule on a potential play on trailing baserunner Christian Yelich, if one were to have occurred. Segal's call was confirmed via Replay Review.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 169 - Doug Eddings (7; Matt Carpenter)

1B Umpire Doug Eddings ejected Cardinals bench player Matt Carpenter (check swing strike two call) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Reds-#Cardinals game. With one out and none on, Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado attempted to check his swing on a 2-1 sinker from Reds pitcher Sonny Gray that was thrown up-and-inside, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Edwin Moscoso and called a swinging strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Eddings. This play is under review by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was *PENDING*. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 2-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Doug Eddings (88)'s 7th ejection of 2021.

Doug Eddings now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).

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

This is the 169th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 69th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Carpenter did not participate in the game.

This is St Louis' 7th ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL Central (MIL 16; CIN 12; CHC, STL 7; PIT 3).

This is Matt Carpenter's 1st ejection since April 1, 2019 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y-c [Check Swing]).

This is Doug Eddings' 7th ejection of 2021, 1st since August 20 (Ryan Flaherty; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. St Louis Cardinals, 9/12/21 | Video as follows: