Blue Jays Pitcher Gausman Called for Balk on 1st Pitch with Runners

Called for a no-stop balk by 2B Umpire Jeff Nelson, Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman strode toward the umpire before being restrained by Toronto teammate Bo Bichette, buying time for manager John Schneider to get an explanation for why Gausman was called for a balk on his very first pitch from Set Position with runners on base during Monday's Jays-Orioles game in Baltimore.

With none out and none on in the bottom of the 4th inning, Orioles batter Adley Rutschman singled on a fly ball to the shallow outfield for Baltimore's first base hit of the game. Immediately thereafter, during the first pitch to ensuing batter Anthony Santander, Gausman was called for a balk by Nelson.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(13) states, "If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when—The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop."

Thus, Gausman's balk occurred at the first opportunity for a balk to be called on him, meaning that in Nelson's judgment, Gausman's habitual delivery when using Set Position and/or the very first time Gausman worked from Set Position on Monday was illegal.

What's your call? | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Umpire Crew Chief Nelson calls Gausman for balk on first delivery from Set (BAL/TOR)