Fan Interference in the World Series (Plus a C&C)

We review a first-inning spectator interference play in New York during Game 4 of #Dodgers-#Yankees World Series when a fan was ejected for prying open Mookie Betts' glove during a catch and Alex Verdugo's catch and carry play during Game 1 in Los Angeles.

First, in the 10th inning of Game 1, with one out and runners on first and second base, Yankees outfielder Verdugo ran to catch Dodgers batter Shohei Ohtani's fly ball in foul territory along the left field warning track, catching the baseball before falling into the stands and attempting to throw the ball back to the field to hold the runners.

LF Umpire Chad Fairchild ruled Ohtani out on the catch and awarded runners R1 and R2 one base each pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) pertaining to catch-and-carry situations, which states, "If a fielder, after having made a legal catch, should step or fall into any out-of-play area, the ball is dead and each runner shall advance one base, without liability to be put out, from their last legally touched base at the time the fielder entered such out-of-play area."

Finally, in Game 4 in New York, RF Umpire Mark Carlson called spectator interference when a front-row fan reached over the foul fence as Dodgers outfielder Betts was attempting to catch Gleyber Torres' fly ball. 

For this play, the relevant rules are found in the definitions: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field," and OBR 6.01(e): "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in their opinion will nullify the act of interference."

Thus, to nullify the act, Torres was declared out and the fans ultimately ejected not by the umpires, but by Yankee Stadium security.

Video as follows:

Did Manny Machado Interfere with Freddie Freeman's Throw?

Dodgers 1B Freddie Freeman's throw hit Padres baserunner Manny Machado's back during San Diego's NLDS Game 3 win over LA, but was the runner legal or did Manny commit interference? Umpires ruled the play legal, but analysts were more divided on the play's legality. Let's get into the rulebook and figure out what happened and what the correct call was.

Padres batter Jackson Merrill hit a ground ball to Dodgers first baseman Freeman, whose throw to second base struck Machado in the upper back before caroming into left field, allowing Machado to advance to third base during a six-run rally in the bottom of the 2nd inning. 1B Umpire Dan Bellino and 2B Umpire Tripp Gibson, the two relevant umpires for this play, no-called the sequence, ruling Machado's baserunning legal.

To determine whether Machado interfered or not, we first must cite the relevant rule, which is Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10), which states, "It is interference by a batter or runner when they fail to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interfere with a thrown ball."

Note that we are looking not solely for interference, but intentional interference with a thrown ball. The standard of intentional refers to deliberate action, such as waving of arms, hip check, or looking back after the throw is made and adjusting one's body position into the throw as a result of the look-back. Note that under the intentional standard, non-deliberate interference (e.g., being struck by the ball without any of the aforementioned intentionality indicators) is legal.

Replays indicate Machado began veering to his left prior to Freeman's release of the baseball. With no throw, there can be no OBR 6.01(a)(10) interference, and thus Machado's steps to his left prior to the throw mitigate potential intentional interference.

Two additional considerations from broadcasters and fans are runner's lane interference and out of the base path.

We first discuss the out of the base path issue, noting that the runner shall only be called for running out of the base path when they run more than three feet away from their established base path to avoid a fielder's tag. Since there was no tag attempt, and thus no base path to consider (OBR 5.09(b)(1): "A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs"), there can be no out of the base path call.

Finally, runner's lane interference, referred to by analyst Alex Rodriguez, does not apply to this play, since OBR 5.09(a)(11) states, in part, "...in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base." The throw was not being made to first base and, furthermore, the runner's lane only exists between home plate and first base. There is no runner's lane between 1B and 2B, thus no RLI call to make.

A similar play occurred in September 2022, when HP Umpire Chad Fairchild no-called Nick Senzel's throw hitting Andrew Knizner in the back during a Reds-Cardinals game.

In conclusion, this is a legal play. | Video as follows:

Did Brewers Fan Interfere with Alonso by Pushing Net?

Did a Brewers fan commit interference by pushing the protective netting as Mets first baseman Pete Alonso attempted to catch William Contreras' fly ball along the fence-line?

With two out and two in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Mets-Brewers Wild Card deciding Game 3, the spectator displaced the protective netting MLB mandated be installed along the infield at all stadiums for fan safety by pushing it toward the playing field, on and over the warning track.

Alonso, tracking the foul fly, failed to catch it as it landed near the fan in question, on the warning track, as 1B Umpire Alan Porter signaled "safe": no catch and no interference.

Does this constitute interference?

The definition of spectator interference states, "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field."

Even though the rule does not specifically address the case of a fan pushing a loose infield net over the field but not themself reaching out of the stands, yes, this play is eligible for spectator interference, which is also a reviewable play (it wasn't challenged). Furthermore, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(e), the batter may be called out for the actions of the interfering fan.

With that in mind, what's your call? Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 186 - Marvin Hudson (2; AJ Hinch)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Tigers manager AJ Hinch (Replay Review decision that upheld 2B Umpire Nick Mahrley's catch [out] call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Tigers game. With none out and none on, Tigers batter Zach McKinstry hit a 2-2 fastball from White Sox pitcher Enyel De Los Santos on a fly ball to right fielder Dominic Fletcher, who attempted to catch the baseball near the outfield wall, ruled a catch (out) by 2B Umpire Mahrley. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Tigers manager Hinch, the out call stood. Replays indicate the fly ball appeared to touch the outfield wall before being caught by Fletcher, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 9-5. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is the 186th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 93rd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 93 Managers, 32 Coaches, 61 Players.

This is Detroit's 2nd ejection of 2024, T-4th in the AL Central (CWS 10; CLE, KC 3; DET, MIN 2).

This is AJ Hinch's 1st ejection since August 25, 2023 (Laz Diaz; QOC = U [Pitch Clock]).

This is Marvin Hudson's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since Aug 21 (Ryan O'Hearn; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers, 9/29/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 185 - Jacob Metz (1; Matt Carpenter)

HP Umpire Jacob Metz ejected Cardinals DH Matt Carpenter (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Cardinals-#Giants game. With two out and one on, Cardinals batter Carpenter took a 0-2 fastball from Giants pitcher Austin Warren for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.73, pz 3.31 [sz_top 3.65]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 6-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Jacob Metz (94)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

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

*This pitch was located 2.16 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 185th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 61st player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 92 Managers, 32 Coaches, 61 Players.

This is St Louis' 11th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL Central (STL 11; MIL 9; PIT 7; CHC 6; CIN 5).

This is Matt Carpenter's 1st ejection since Sept 12, 2021 (Doug Eddings; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Jacob Metz's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs San Francisco Giants, 9/27/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 184 - Ramon De Jesus (2; Carlos Mendoza)

HP Umpire Ramon De Jesus ejected Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (strike three call to Francisco Alvarez; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Mets-#Brewers game. With two out and two on, Mets batter Alvarez took a 3-2 slider from Brewers pitcher Frankie Montas for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.43, pz 1.38 [sz_bot 1.43 / RAD 1.31]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 5-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Ramon De Jesus (18)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.80 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 184th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 92nd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 92 Managers, 31 Coaches, 60 Players.

This is New York's 7th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL East (NYM 7; MIA 6; WAS 5; PHI 4; ATL 1).

This is Carlos Mendoza's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 12 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ramon De Jesus' 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 29 (Jorge López; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs Milwaukee Brewers, 9/27/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 183 - Mark Wegner (2; Spencer Arrighetti)

HP Umpire Mark Wegner ejected Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (ball calls; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Astros-#Guardians game. With none out and none on, Guardians batter Will Brennan walked, Bo Naylor struck out, Daniel Schneemann walked, and Steven Kwan walked. Replays indicate that of the 15 callable pitches thrown during the half inning prior to ejection, all 14 were properly officiated (15/15 = 100% accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 5-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Mark Wegner (14)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

This is the 183rd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 60th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 91 Managers, 31 Coaches, 60 Players.

This is Houston's 14th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 14; OAK 8; LAA, SEA 7; TEX 6).

This is Spencer Arrighetti's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mark Wegner's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Alex Cora; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Houston Asstros vs Cleveland Guardians of the Galaxy, 9/27/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 182 - Edwin Moscoso (4; Barry Enright)

HP Umpire Edwin Moscoso ejected Angels pitching coach Barry Enright (ball one call to Bryan Ramos; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Angels-#WhiteSox game. With one out and none on, White Sox batter Ramos took a 1-2 sinker from Angels pitcher Ryan Miller for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.60, pz 3.09 [sz_top 3.29 / RAD 3.41 / MOE 3.33]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 3-2. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is Edwin Moscoso (32)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

This pitch was located 2.88 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 182nd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 31st coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 91 Managers, 31 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Los Angeles' 7th ejection of 2024, T-3rd in the AL West (HOU 13; OAK 8; LAA, SEA 7; TEX 6).

This is Barry Enright's first career MLB ejection.

This is Edwin Moscoso's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = Y [Foul Tip]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox, 9/25/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 181 - Nate Tomlinson (1; John Schneider)

HP Umpire Nate Tomlinson ejected Blue Jays manager John Schneider (ball two call to José Caballero; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #BlueJays-#Rays game. With none out and one on, Rays batter Caballero took a 1-0 sinker from Blue Jays pitcher Genesis Cabrera for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.33, pz 1.31 [sz_bot 1.44 / RAD 1.32]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Nate Tomlinson (114)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.08 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 181st ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 91st manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 91 Managers, 30 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Toronto's 10th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the AL East (NYY, TOR 10; BAL, TB 6; BOS 5).

This is John Schneider's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 14 (Gabe Morales; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Nate Tomlinson's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays, 9/22/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 180 - Alan Porter (5; Alex Cora)

3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Red Sox manager Alex Cora (obstruction call by 2B Umpire Dan Merzel on 2B Vaughn Grissom; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Twins-#RedSox game. With one out and one on (R2), Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta threw to second baseman Grissom in an attempt to pick off Twins baserunner R2 Byron Buxton at second base, ruled safe by 2B Umpire Merzel. Upon crew consultation, the call was changed to obstruction (Type 1) against infielder Grissom, with baserunner R2 Buxton award third base. Replays indicate fielder Grissom placed his leg and knee in the runner's base path without possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the throw requiring occupation of that space, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 8-1.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s 5th ejection of 2024.

*Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(1): "If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base they had last legally touched before the obstruction."

Related Post: Obstruction Calls Are 2024's Point of Emphasis (2/14/24).

This is the 180th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 90th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 90 Managers, 30 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Boston's 5th ejection of 2024, 5th in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL, TB 6; BOS 5).

This is Alex Cora's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Mark Wegner; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Alan Porter's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 28 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox (Game 1), 9/22/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 179 - Chris Segal (2; Pat Murphy)

HP Umpire Chris Segal ejected Brewers manager Pat Murphy (strike one call to Joey Ortiz; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Brewers game. With two out and none on, Brewers batter Ortiz took a 1-0 cutter from Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly for a called first strike before striking out. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.02, pz 2.48), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 5-0.

This is Chris Segal (96)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 1.27 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 179th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 89th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 89 Managers, 30 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Milwaukee's 9th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL Central (STL 10; MIL 9; PIT 7; CHC 6; CIN 5).

This is Pat Murphy's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 21 (Brian Walsh; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Chris Segal's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 30 (Heliot Ramos; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers, 9/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 177-8 - DJ Reyburn (3-4; STL x2)

HP Umpire DJ Reyburn ejected Cardinals hitting coach Turner Ward and manager Oliver Marmol (strike three call to Lars Nootbaar; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Pirates-#Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Cardinals batter Nootbaar took a 2-2 sinker from Pirates pitcher Jake Woodford for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.84, pz 2.34), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 4-2. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 10-5.

These are DJ Reyburn (17)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 0.90 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 177th and 178th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 30th coach ejection of 2024. 

This is the 88th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 88 Managers, 30 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is St Louis' 9/10th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL Central (STL 10; MIL 8; PIT 7; CHC 6; CIN 5).

This is Turner Ward's 1st ejection since Sept 7, 2023 (Laz Diaz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Oliver Marmol's 6th ejection of 2024, 1st since Sept 3 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is DJ Reyburn's 3/4th ejection of 2024, 1st since June 20 (Kyle McCann; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs St Louis Cardinals, 9/18/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 175-6 - Conroy, Miller (HOU x2)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Astros 2B Jose Altuve and 1B Umpire Chris Conroy ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (fair ball call; QOCN) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Astros-#Padres game. With two out and one on, Astros batter Altuve hit a 1-1 sinker from Padres pitcher Robert Suarez on the ground to third baseman Manny Machado to first baseman Donovan Solano, ruled a fair ball by HP Umpire Miller. Replays indicate that after contacting Altuve's bat, the batted ball touched Altuve's foot before bounding into fair territory, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is Chris Conroy (98)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 102 - James Jean (1; Jose Altuve) (6/30/24).

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(7): "If the batter is in a legal position in the batter’s box, see Rule 5.04(b)(5), and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, a batted ball that strikes the batter or their bat shall be ruled a foul ball."

Fair/Foul in the Infield is not presently a reviewable play.

These are the 175th and 176th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 87th manager ejection of 2024.

This is the 59th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 87 Managers, 29 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Houston's 12/13th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 13; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Jose Altuve's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 30 (James Jean; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

This is Joe Espada's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since Sept 5 (Brian O'Nora; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

This is Brennan Miller's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 1 (Pat Murphy; QOC = Y-c [Base Path]).

This is Chris Conroy's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 21 (Bob Melvin; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres, 9/17/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 174 - Brian O'Nora (2; Alex Cintron)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron (strike three call to Yanier Diaz; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Astros-#Padres game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Diaz took a 3-2 sweeper from Padres pitcher Yu Darvish for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.02, pz 1.92 [sz_bot 1.48]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 2-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 1.27 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 174th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 30th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 29 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is Houston's 11th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 11; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Alex Cintron's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 11 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since Sept 5 (Joe Espada; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Asstros vs San Diego Padres, 9/16/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 173 - David Rackley (2; Vance Wilson)

3B Umpire David Rackley ejected Royals 3B Coach Vance Wilson (bunt "check swing" call to Michael Massey) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Tigers-#Royals game. With two out and one on, Royals batter Massey attempted to pull his bunt back on a 0-1 changeup from Tigers pitcher Brenan Hanifee, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Larry Vanover and called a swinging (bunting) strike on appeal by 3B Umpire David Rackley. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 6-4. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is David Rackley (86)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is the 173rd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 29th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 29 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is Kansas City's 3rd ejection of 2024, T-2nd in the AL Central (CWS 10; CLE, KC 3; MIN 2; DET 1).

This is Vance Wilson's 1st ejection since September 11, 2021 (Greg Gibson; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

This is David Rackley's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 12 (Trea Turner; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals, 9/16/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 172 - Dan Iassogna (3; Joshua Miller)

3B Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Astros pitching coach Joshua Miller (Replay decision: HBP call) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Astros-#Angels game. With none out and one on, Angels batter Mickey Moniak attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 sinker from Astros pitcher Caleb Ferguson, ruled a hit-by-pitch by HP Umpire CB Bucknor and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Iassogna. Upon Replay Review as a result of a challenge by Angels manager Ron Washington, HP Umpire Bucknor's foul ball call was overturned to a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch hit Moniak's hand, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 6-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Dan Iassogna (58)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

This is the 172nd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 28th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 28 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is Houston's 10th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 10; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Joshua Miller's first career MLB ejection.

This is Dan Iassogna's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 2 (James Rowson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels, 9/15/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 171 - Nestor Ceja (3; Jesse Winker)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Mets PH Jesse Winker (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Mets-#Phillies game. With two out and none on, Mets batter Jesse Winker took a 1-2 fastball from Phillies pitcher José Ruiz for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.22, pz 3.64 [sz_top 3.44 / RAD 3.56 / MOE 3.64]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 171st ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 58th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 27 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is New York's 6th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL East (MIA, NYM 6; WAS 5; PHI 4; ATL 1).

This is Jesse Winker's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 22 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 31 (Andy Haines; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9/15/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 170 - Alfonso Márquez (3; Bud Black)

HP Umpire Alfonso Márquez ejected Rockies manager Bud Black (ball one call to Zach McKinstry; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Rockies-#Tigers game. With two out and one on, Tigers batter McKinstry took a 0-0 changeup from Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.36, pz 1.46 [sz_bot 1.73 / RAD 1.61 / MOE 1.53]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 2-1. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Alfonso Márquez (72)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 170th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 86th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 27 Coaches, 57 Players.

This is Colorado's 4th ejection of 2024, 4th in the NL West (SF 8; ARI, SD 6; COL 4; LAD 1).

This is Bud Black's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 18 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Alfonso Márquez's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 7 (Miguel Cairo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 169 - James Hoye (5; Edwin Uceta)

2B Umpire James Hoye ejected Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta (throwing at Nick Castellanos) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Rays-#Phillies game. With two out and one on (R2), Phillies batter Castellanos took a 0-0 sinker from Rays pitcher Uceta for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Castellanos on the backside; warnings had not previously been issued, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 9-4. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 9-4.

This is James Hoye (92)'s 5th ejection of 2024.

This is the 169th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 57th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 85 Managers, 27 Coaches, 57 Players.

This is Tampa Bay's 6th ejection of 2024, T-3rd in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL, TB 6; BOS 4).

This is Edwin Uceta's first career MLB ejection.

This is James Hoye's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 29 (Craig Counsell; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9/10/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 168 - Larry Vanover (2; David Bell)

HP Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Reds manager David Bell (strike three call; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Reds-#Cardinals game. With one out and two on, Reds batter Elly De La Cruz took a 2-2 sinker from Cardinals pitcher John King for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.93, pz 1.83 [sz_bot 1.82]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 3-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 0.24 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 168th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 85th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 85 Managers, 27 Coaches, 56 Players.

This is Cincinnati's 5th ejection of 2024, 5th in the NL Central (MIL, STL 8; PIT 7; CHC 6; CIN 5).

This is David Bell's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 8 (Bill Miller; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Larry Vanover's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since Aug 7 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals, 9/10/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 167 - Brian O'Nora (1; Joe Espada)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (Replay Review decision that upheld a foul ball call to Alex Bregman; QOCN/Y) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Reds-#Astros game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Bregman attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 changeup from Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder, ruled a foul ball by HP Umpire O'Nora (as opposed to a hit-by-pitch). Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Astros manager Espada, O'Nora's call stood as a foul ball. Replays indicate the pitched ball did not touch the batter's bat, but this is not a reviewable aspect of the challenge for hit-by-pitch, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*Review's "stands" decision on the HBP was technically correct, but the foul ball call was incorrect. Because foul ball (on the infield) and foul tip are not reviewable, and since the ball passed the bat distinctly before the ball/body issue came into play, the challenge was a fruitless endeavor since O'Nora's on-field foul ball call could not possibly have been overturned.

This is the 167th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 84th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 84 Managers, 27 Coaches, 56 Players.

This is Houston's 9th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 9; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Joe Espada's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since June 28 (Jim Wolf; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 1st ejection since May 21, 2023 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds, 9/5/24 | Video as follows:

Teachable - A West Coast Triple Play

This Tmac Teachable Moment comes to us from the West Coast League, featuring the Bellingham Bells and Kamloops NorthPaws on a wacky bases-loaded triple play that involved some quick thinking from a three-person umpire crew looking to cover all potential aspects of this play.

Tmac reviews responsibilities for all three umpires as the defensive team catches a fly ball, throws to second to retire baserunner R1 in a rundown, and then throws home for the third out on R3 attempting to score during all the commotion.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 165-6 - Lance Barrett (1-2; STL x2)

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso and manager Oliver Marmol (strike one call to Pedro Pagés; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Cardinals-#Brewers game. With two out and one on, Cardinals batter Pagés took a 0-0 sinker from Brewers pitcher Aaron Civale for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.79, pz 3.14 [sz_top 3.18 / RAD 3.30]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 3-2. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 7-4, in 12 innings.

These are Lance Barrett (16)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2024.

This pitch was located 2.88 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 165th and 166th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 27th coach ejection of 2024.

This is the 83rd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 83 Managers, 27 Coaches, 56 Players.

This is St Louis' 7/8th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL Central (MIL, STL 8; PIT 7; CHC 6; CIN 3).

This is Daniel Descalso's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 12 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

This is Oliver Marmol's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since Aug 12 (Stu Scheurwater; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Lance Barrett's 1st ejection since September 20, 2023 (Aaron Boone; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers, 9/3/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 163-4 - Hunter Wendelstedt (5-6; CWS x2)

HP Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore and LF Andrew Benintendi (strike two and three calls; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Orioles game. With one out and none on, White Sox batter Andrew Benintendi took a 1-1 sweeper and 1-2 sinker from Orioles pitcher Cade Povich for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.21, pz 3.57 [sz_top 3.04 / RAD 3.16 / MOE 3.24]) and the 1-2 pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px -1.02, pz 2.51), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 9-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 9-0.

These are Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s 5th and 6th ejections of 2024.

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

The 1-1 pitch was located 3.96 vertical and the 1-2 pitch was 1.27 horizontal inches from QOCY.

These are the 163rd and 164th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 82nd manager ejection of 2024.

This is the 56th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 82 Managers, 26 Coaches, 56 Players.

This is Chicago's 9/10th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 10; CLE 3; KC, MIN 2; DET 1).

This is Grady Sizemore's first career MLB ejection.

This is Andrew Benintendi's 1st ejection since May 8, 2023 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Hunter Wendelstedt's 5/6th ejection of 2024, 1st since Aug 7 (Dave Roberts; QOC = Y [Obstruction]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs Baltimore Orioles, 9/3/24 | Video as follows:

Calls of the Month - August 2024

August 2024's Top 5 Calls of the Month feature a few bizarre bunt plays and tag attempts, questions concerning boundaries and home runs, and a guest appearance by...Kramer?

5) Jeremy Riggs closes in on a tag play.

4) Bill Miller makes a rare call....

3) Shane Livensparger's no-catch decision

2) Larry Vanover, the oldest umpire ever to work an MLB game, calls a HR

1) Charlie Ramos (not pictured) with the HR call and James Hoye as Kramer

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 162 - Brian Walsh (4; Derek Shelton)

HP Umpire Brian Walsh ejected Pirates manager Derek Shelton (strike three call to Billy McKinney; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Pirates-#Guardians game. With two out and one on, Pirates batter McKinney took a 3-2 fastball from Guardians pitcher Ben Lively 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 0.19, pz 1.35 [sz_bot 1.45 / RAD 1.33]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Guardians were leading, 2-0. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 10-8.

This is Brian Walsh (120)'s 4th ejection of 2024.*

This pitch was located 1.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 162nd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 81st manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 81 Managers, 26 Coaches, 55 Players.

This is Pittsburgh's 7th ejection of 2024, 2nd in the NL Central (MIL 8; PIT 7; CHC, STL 6; CIN 3).

This is Derek Shelton's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 6 (John Tumpane; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian Walsh's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 21 (Pat Murphy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cleveland Guardians, 8/30/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 161 - Alex Tosi (4; Alex Bregman)

HP Umpire Alex Tosi ejected Astros 3B Alex Bregman (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Royals-#Astros game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Bregman took a 0-2 sinker from Royals pitcher Brady Singer for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and belt high (px 0.83, pz 2.98), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Alex Tosi (66)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 1.00 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 161st ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 55th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 26 Coaches, 55 Players.

This is Houston's 8th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Alex Bregman's first career MLB ejection.

This is Alex Tosi's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since May 23 (Joey Bart; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Houston Astros, 8/29/24 | Video as follows:

Mets Lose Base Touch Challenge on Retouch Requirement Rule

Although Diamondbacks runner Jake McCarthy stumbled back onto the first base side after sliding into second on his way to third, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza lost his base touch challenge as umpires determined McCarthy did not violate a rule by not retouching second base while advancing to third base, leaving at least one broadcaster stumped. What happened?

McCarthy slid feet-first into second base before popping up to advance to third on New York catcher Francisco Alvarez's throwing error. In doing so, however, McCarthy stepped toward the right field/first base side of second, leading New York to appeal a missed base touch at second, with the thought process being that because McCarthy stepped back onto the first base side of the bag, he was required to retouch second before advancing to third (last time by principle).

Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(1) states, "In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If forced to return, they shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.06(c). In such cases, the runner may go directly to their original base."

2B Umpire Malachi Moore, however, signaled McCarthy safe and, after Replay Review as a result of Mendoza's challenge, crew chief Bill Miller announced the call had been confirmed, much to the surprise of SNY. Why did Replay confirm this call despite McCarthy clearly stepping to the first base side of the base?

Although McCarthy clearly stepped onto the "prior" side of second base, he did so not as part of an attempt to return (see forced to return, above), but incidentally as part of a recovery from an off-balance slide as he attempted to advance to third. Thus, because the runner was not intending to return, there was no retouch requirement; accordingly, the call was confirmed because the runner did touch second base at some point during the sequence.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 160 - John Tumpane (4; Carl Willis)

HP Umpire John Tumpane ejected Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis (foul ball call to Garrett Hampson; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Royals-#Guardians game. With one out and none on, Royals batter Hampson swung at a 1-2 changeup from Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila, ruled a foul ball by HP Umpire Tumpane. Replays indicate Hampson's bat made contact with the baseball before it touched the ground, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 5-4. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 9-4.

This is John Tumpane (74)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

This is the 160th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 26th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 26 Coaches, 54 Players.

This is Cleveland's 3rd ejection of 2024, 2nd in the AL Central (CWS 8; CLE 3; KC, MIN 2; DET 1).

This is Carl Willis' 1st ejection since Sept 3, 2017 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Tumpane's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 6 (Derek Shelton; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians (Game 2), 8/26/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 159 - Paul Clemons (3; Wilyer Abreu)

HP Umpire Paul Clemons ejected Red Sox RF (strike one call to Wilyer Abreu; QOCY) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the #BlueJays-#RedSox game. With one out and one on, Red Sox batter Abreu took a 3-0 sinker from Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos for a called first strike before subsequently striking out swinging. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -0.84, pz 1.95 [sz_bot 1.62]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Paul Clemons (104)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 0.89 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 159th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 54th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 25 Coaches, 54 Players.

This is Boston's 4th ejection of 2024, 5th in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL 6; TB 5; BOS 4).

This is Wilyer Abreu's first career MLB ejection.

This is Paul Clemons' 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 13 (Matt Quatraro; QOC = Y [Obstruction nc]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Bostonian Red Sox (Game 2), 8/26/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 158 - James Jean (2; Patrick Wisdom)

HP Umpire James Jean ejected Cubs 3B Patrick Wisdom (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Cubs-#Marlins game. With two out and none on, Cubs batter Wisdom took a 1-2 slurve from Marlins pitcher Adam Oller for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.66, pz 2.50), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 3-1. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, Cubs pitcher Julian Merryweather intentionally walked Marlins batter Jesús Sánchez, who was pinch run for by Cristian Pache. Miami then appealed that batter-runner Sánchez failed to touch first base during his intentional walk prior to being substituted for by Pache, ruled out by 1B Umpire Cory Blaser, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c)(2), which puts a runner out on appeal when "while advancing or returning to a base, they fail to touch each base in order before they, or a missed base, are tagged," while OBR 5.05(b)(1) Comment states, "A batter who is entitled to first base because of a base on balls, including an award of first base to a batter by an umpire following a signal from a manager, must go to first base and touch the base before other base runners are forced to advance. This applies when bases are full and applies when a substitute runner is put into the game...If they fail to touch the base to which they are entitled and attempt to advance beyond that base they may be put out by tagging them or the base they missed."

This is James Jean (61)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 3.05 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 158th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 53rd player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 25 Coaches, 53 Players.

This is Chicago's 6th ejection of 2024, T-2nd in the NL Central (MIL 8; CHC, PIT, STL 6; CIN 3).

This is Patrick Wisdom's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2022 (Ryan Wills; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is James Jean's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 30 (Jose Altuve; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Chicago Cubs, 8/25/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 156-7 - Ballou, Bacchus (TB-OAK)

HP Umpire Brock Ballou ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (HBP denied to José Caballero; QOCY) in the top of the 7th and 1B Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected A's manager Mark Kotsay (Replay Review decision which upheld U1's out call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Rays-#Athletics game. In the 7th, with none out and none on, Rays batter Caballero was touched by a 2-1 slider from A's pitcher Mitch Spence, ruled a dead ball (stay here) by HP Umpire Ballou, who ruled Caballero failed to attempt to avoid being touched by the pitch. Replays indicate Caballero failed to attempt to avoid being touched by the pitch, which was actually located within the strike zone when it touched Caballero; as the ball (not strike) call favored the ejectee's team, the call was correct (had Oakland instead been ejected, the call would be incorrect).* At the time of Cash's ejection, the game was tied, 2-2.

In the 8th, with one out and none on, A's batter Miguel Andujar hit a 1-2 sweeper from Rays pitcher Garrett Cleavinger on the ground to third baseman Caballero, to catcher Alex Jackson, to first baseman Yandy Díaz, ruled out by 1B Umpire Bacchus. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by A's manager Kotsay, Bacchus' call was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of Kotsay's ejection, the Rays were leading, 4-2. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Brock Ballou (119)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2): "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided they advance to and touch first base) when they are touched by a pitched ball which they are not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball."

These are the 156th and 157th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 79/80th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 25 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Tampa Bay's 5th ejection of 2024, 4th in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL 6; TB 5; BOS 3).

This is Oakland's 8th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (OAK 8; HOU, SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Kevin Cash's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 1 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Mark Kotsay's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 18 (Emil Jimenez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brock Ballou's 1st ejection since May 15, 2023 (Merrill Kelly; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 13 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 155 - Mike Estabrook (7; Tim Laker)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Angels run production coordinator Tim Laker (strike two call to Logan O'Hoppe; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Angels-#Royals game. With none out and none on, O'Hoppe took a 1-1 sinker from Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.10, pz 1.56 [sz_bot 1.59 / RAD 1.47]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 3-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 2.04 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 155th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 25th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 78 Managers, 25 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Los Angeles' 6th ejection of 2024, T-4th in the AL West (HOU, OAK, SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Tim Laker's 1st ejection since August 13, 2019 (Eric Cooper; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Mike Estabrook's 7th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Johnny Washington; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minor League Quality Angels vs Kansas City Royals, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 154 - Brian Walsh (3; Pat Murphy)

HP Umpire Brian Walsh ejected Brewers manager Pat Murphy (ball calls to Tommy Pham; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Cardinals-#Brewers game. With none out and none on, and Devin Williams pitching, Cardinals batter Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch, José Fermín doubled, Nolan Arenado struck out swinging, Lars Nootbar walked, Paul Goldschmidt struck out looking, Matt Carpenter walked, and Tommy Pham walked. Replays indicate that of 22 callable pitches during the half inning, Walsh officiated 20 correctly, and the two incorrect calls were both strikes in favor of Milwaukee and against St Louis, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 6-6. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 10-6, in 10 innings.

This is Brian Walsh (120)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

This is the 154th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 78th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 78 Managers, 24 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Milwaukee's 8th ejection of 2024, T-2nd in the NL Central (MIL 8; PIT, STL 6; CHC 5; CIN 3).

This is Pat Murphy's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 1 (Brennan Miller; QOC = Y-c [Base Path]).

This is Brian Walsh's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since August 7 (Brian Snitker; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs St Louis Cardinals, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 153 - Gabe Morales (3; Skip Schumaker)

HP Umpire Gabe Morales ejected Marlins manager Skip Schumaker (strike three call to Xavier Edwards; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Marlins game. With one out and one on, Edwards took a 2-2 slider from Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.52, pz 1.78 [sz_bot 1.38 / RAD 1.26]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 8-7. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 10-8.

This is Gabe Morales (47)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 4.72 horizontal and 7.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 153rd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 77th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 77 Managers, 24 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Miami's 6th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL East (MIA 6; NYM, WAS 5; PHI 4; ATL 1).

This is Skip Schumaker's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Rob Drake; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Gabe Morales' 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 14 (John Schneider; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Miami Marlins, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 152 - Marvin Hudson (1; Ryan O'Hearn)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Orioles PH Ryan O'Hearn (strike one call; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Orioles-#Mets game. With none out and the bases loaded, Orioles batter O'Hearn took a 1-0 sweeper from Mets pitcher José Buttó for a called first strike before subsequently striking out. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px -1.02, pz 3.09), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 3-2. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 1.27 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 152nd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 52nd player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 76 Managers, 24 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Baltimore's 6th ejection of 2024, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL 6; TB 4; BOS 3).

This is Ryan O'Hearn's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 7 (Alex Tosi; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Marvin Hudson's 1st ejection since October 23, 2023 (Adolis Garcia; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs New York Mets, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

Minor League Crew Consultation Ejection

Minor league umpires Isabella Robb and Stone Garver tag teamed a silent treatment ejection in High-A after Peoria Chiefs manager Patrick Anderson refused to stop arguing over a backswing contact strikeout call made after consultation.

With none out and none on in the top of the 9th inning of Sunday's Chiefs-Timber Rattlers game, Chiefs batter Tre Richardson swung at a 2-2 pitch from Timber Rattlers pitcher Tyler Wehrle, initially ruled a dead ball by HP Umpire Robb before resulting in an unintentional contact backswing strikeout upon crew consultation with 1B Umpire Garver.

Official Baseball Rule 6.03(a) specifies the case of backswing contact: "If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard they carry the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hit the catcher or the ball in back of them on the backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play."

Note: In high school, NFHS deems this follow-through interference.

After umpires concluded that Richardson's bat knocked the ball out of Wisconsin catcher Matthew Wood's mitt, Robb signaled the batter out, leading to Anderson's extended argument, culminating in a post-ejection silent treatment method of situation handling as the skipper tired himself out.

OBR 8.02(c) prohibits arguing a call changed after crew consultation: "No player, manager or coach shall be permitted to argue the exercise of the umpires’ discretion in resolving the play and any person so arguing shall be subject to ejection."

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 151 - Vic Carapazza (7; Johnny Washington)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Angels hitting coach Johnny Washington (strike one call to Niko Kavadas; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Angels-#Royals game. With two out and none on, Angels batter Kavadas took a first-pitch curveball from Royals pitcher Seth Lugo for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.25, pz 1.38 [sz_bot 1.50 / RAD 1.38 / MOE 1.30]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 3-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s 7th ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.01 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 151st ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 76 Managers, 24 Coaches, 51 Players.

This is Los Angeles' 5th ejection of 2024, 5th in the AL West (HOU, OAK, SEA 7; TEX 6; LAA 5).

This is Johnny Washington's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Vic Carapazza's 7th ejection of 2024, 1st since June 23 (Edwin Díaz; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals, 8/19/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 150 - Emil Jimenez (3; Mark Kotsay)

HP Umpire Emil Jimenez ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (strike two call to Daz Cameron; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Giants-#Athletics game. With two out at the bases loaded, A's batter Cameron took a 3-0 fastball from Giants pitcher Blake Snell for a called first strike, before grounding out. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.26, pz 3.69 [sz_top 3.62 / RAD 3.74]), the call was correct (Kotsay was ejected after the first pitch of the following inning, a correct ball call).* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 4-2, in 10 innings.

This is Emil Jimenez (82)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

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

This is the 150th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 76th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 76 Managers, 23 Coaches, 51 Players.

This is Oakland's 7th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, OAK, SEA 7; TEX 6; LAA 4).

This is Mark Kotsay's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 12 (Tom Hanahan; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Emil Jimenez's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 3 (Pedro Grifol; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics, 8/18/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 149 - Cory Blaser (3; Michael Brdar)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Tigers hitting coach Michael Brdar (strike three call to Jace Jung; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Yankees-#Tigers game. With none out and none on, Tigers batter Jung took a 1-2 sweeper from Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.47, pz 3.41 [sz_top 3.31 / RAD 3.43]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Cory Blaser (89)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 149th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 23rd coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 75 Managers, 23 Coaches, 51 Players.

This is Detroit's 1st ejection of 2024, 5th in the AL Central (CWS 8; CLE, KC, MIN 2; DET 1).

This is Michael Brdar's first career MLB ejection.

This is Cory Blaser's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 30 (Ha-Seon Kim; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers, 8/16/24 | Video as follows: