Lindsay

As Guardians batter-runner Brayan Rocchio ran toward first base during a ground ball in Cleveland, he saw a pair of Royals in 1B Salvador Perez and pitcher Daniel Lynch standing in his base path and veered to his left to avoid a tag. 1B Umpire Paul Clemons called Rocchio out for running more than three feet out of his base path to avoid the tag, but did non-fielding pitcher Lynch's presence on the first baseline obstruct Rocchio on his way to first base? Was this indeed out of the base path, or should this have been obstruction instead with Rocchio awarded first base? Play: With two out and none on, Rocchio hit a soft ground ball up the first baseline, drawing both F3 Perez and F1 Lynch. Perez fielded the ball and BR Rocchio ran to his left to avoid both F1 Lynch and F3 Perez's tag. U1 Clemons called Rocchio out for running more than three feet away from his base path to avoid the tag. Conflicting Rules: There are two competing rules with opposite penalties to discuss. One pertains to out of the base path, as Clemons called. The other pertains to obstruction regarding Lynch standing in Rocchio's way. Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(1) states, "Any runner is out when they run more than three feet away from their base path to avoid being tagged unless their action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base they are attempting to reach safely." This is the rule Clemons enforced in calling Rocchio out. OBR 6.01(a)(10), which pertains to interference protection, however, states, "If two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit of this rule, and shall not declare the runner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field such a ball." This rule is relevant because the non-protected fielder, which in this case was F1 Lynch (F3 Perez was protected), is liable for obstruction if they violate that rule, which states, "OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner." When there is a question of violation, whether it pertains to this obstruction rule, runner's lane interference, or any other rule, the benefit of the doubt goes to the team that has not violated. In this case, we have a clear sequence of events. First, F3 Perez fields the baseball. Second, F1 Lynch who is not protected, stands in the runner's base path. Third, BR Rocchio runs to his left, more than three feet away, to avoid F3 Perez's tag. Because of this order, it would appear Lynch's illegal positioning and obstruction came before the runner ran more than three feet away to avoid a tag. Had the pitcher not been in the runner's way, could the runner have remained within three feet of his base path? We will never know. There is a question of violation, which means the benefit of the doubt goes to the team that has not violated. But because both teams violated, we must consider the order in which they violated. Because the defensive team Kansas City violated first, the benefit of the doubt goes to Cleveland batter-runner Rocchio, which suggests F1 Lynch obstructed the runner before the runner ran more than three feet away from his base path to avoid a tag. Because Type 1 Obstruction is an immediate dead ball, the play effectively stopped before the runner committed the base path violation; this is obstruction. Video as follows: Alternate Link: CCS Analysis of an out of the base path vs obstruction play in ClevelandView the full article

3B Umpire Jansen Visconti ejected Padres RF Fernando Tatis and 2B Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected manager Craig Stammen (runner's lane interference out call by HP Umpire Tyler Jones; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Padres-#Rays game. With two out and none on, Padres batter Tatis bunted a 0-0 cutter from Rays pitcher Cam Booser on the ground to pitcher Booser, who threw to 1B Jonathan Aranda as Padres batter-runner Tatis ran to first base, ruled runner's lane interference by HP Umpire Jones. Replays indicate batter-runner Tatis ran on the infield grass and not within the runner's lane during the last half of his run to first base and in doing so interfered with 1B Aranda's ability to field Booser's throw, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 3-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 11 innings. This is Jansen Visconti (52)'s 2nd ejection of 2026. This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s 1st ejection of 2026. *Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a): "A batter is out when in running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, they run outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line and on the infield grass, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interfere with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead." These are the 108th and 109th ejection reports of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 61st manager ejection of 2026.This is the 27th player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 61 Managers, 21 Coaches, 27 Players.This is San Diego's 9/10th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL West (SD 10; SF 9; ARI 1; COL, LAD 0).This is Fernando Tatis' 1st ejection since May 5, 2025 (Adrian Johnson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Craig Stammen's 5th ejection of 2026, 1st since July 28 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = N [ABS Denial]).This is Andy Fletcher's 1st ejection since August 8, 2025 (Mike Tauchman; QOC = U [Check Swing]).This is Jansen Visconti's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 8 (David Popkins; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Tampa Bay Rays, 8/30/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Runner's lane INT call prompts two ejections after Tatis called for touching grassView the full article

3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Giants interim 3B coach Ron Wotus (arguing prior game's calls during the pre-game plate meeting) before the top of the 1st inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Giants game. During the pre-game plate meeting and lineup card exchange, Wotus presented the lineup cards on behalf of San Francisco and was ejected shortly thereafter for arguing calls and plays from the day before. At the time of the ejection, the game hadn't yet started and was tied, 0-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 2-1. This is Alan Porter (64)'s 8th ejection of 2026. This is the 107th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 21st coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 60 Managers, 21 Coaches, 26 Players.This is San Francisco's 9th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL West (SF 9; SD 8; ARI 1; COL, LAD 0).This is Ron Wotus' 1st ejection since July 23, 2011 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Alan Porter's 8th ejection of 2026, 1st since August 28 (Tony Vitello; QOC = U [Fair/Foul]). Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants, 8/29/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Porter ejects Wotus during pre-game lineup card exchange for arguing last night's callsView the full article

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected Giants manager Tony Vitello and U2 Roberto Ortiz ejected Giants bench player/pitcher Logan Webb (fair ball call by 3B Umpire Alex MacKay on Nolan Arenado) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Giants game. With two out and one on, Diamondbacks batter Arenado hit a 1-2 curveball from Diamondbacks pitcher Blade Tidwell on the ground past third base for a double, ruled fair by 3B Umpire MacKay. Replays do not conclusively indicate whether the ball bounded past third base in fair or foul territory, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-2. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 10-6. This is Alan Porter (64)'s 7th ejection of 2026.This is Roberto Ortiz (40)'s 1st ejection of 2026. These are the 105th and 106th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 60th manager ejection of 2026. This is the 26th player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 60 Managers, 20 Coaches, 26 Players.This is San Francisco's 7/8th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL West (SD, SF 8; ARI 1; COL, LAD 0).This is Tony Vitello's 5th ejection of 2026, 1st since August 26 (Ryan Blakney; QOC = U [Check Swing]).This is Logan Webb's first career MLB ejection. This is Alan Porter's 7th ejection of 2026, 1st since August 13 (Davis Martin; QOC = U [Throwing At]).This is Roberto Ortiz's 1st ejection since August 20, 2025 (José Caballero; QOC = Y [Replay Review]). Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants, 8/28/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Vitello ejected again, this time for arguing fair ball call, Webb tossed from dugout tooView the full article

As Chicago baserunner R3 Pete Crow-Armstrong danced down the third base line in Arizona, his distraction prompted Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to rush his delivery, with PCA upset at the uncalled balk as umpires determined, after crew consultation, that a balk had not occurred. But was it? The Play: With two out and a runner on third base, Cubs batter Michael Busch stepped in for a 2-1 pitch from Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez as Chicago baserunner R3 Pete Crow-Armstrong danced down the third base line. Rodriguez was pitching from Windup Position, having declared Windup while standing in a Hybrid stance (footwork indicating Set Position, but opting to pitch from the Windup), giving R3 PCA a little more time for baserunning antics near 3B, which pitcher Rodriguez noticed mid-delivery and rushed his motion home, turning the 2-1 pitch into a pitchout of sorts to catcher James McCann, who exited his box to receive the ball. Chicago campaigned for a balk, while 3B Umpire Malachi Moore gestured for the crew to convene. After consultation with 1B Umpire Mike Estabrook and 2B Umpire Lance Barrett, HP Umpire and Crew Chief Alfonso Márquez explained via public address microphone that the crew deemed there was no balk, drawing Cubs manager Craig Counsell for an argument. Was This is a Balk? To determine whether this was a balk, we first narrow down the types of balks this could conceivably qualify as. Pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(1), "if there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching their plate, makes any motion naturally associated with their pitch and fails to make such delivery"; however, pitcher Rodriguez did fire home. We next investigate the so-called catcher's balk, aka OBR 5.02(a), which states, "the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: Balk." Upon closer inspection, this is a balk pursuant to OBR 6.02(a)(5): "the pitcher makes an illegal pitch" because of Rule 5.07(a) Comment, which states, "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset their pivot foot in their delivery of the pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it should be treated as an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b)." Replays indicate Rodriguez in his rushed delivery reset his pivot foot by stepping off the back of the pitcher's plate/rubber entirely, this disengagement (inadvertent or otherwise) making this an illegal pitch. This was a balk that was not called. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Cubs' PCA furious over balk no-call during pitcher's rushed deliveryView the full article

HP Umpire Ryan Blakney ejected Giants manager Tony Vitello (check swing ball call on Eugenio Suárez by 1B Umpire Ben May) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Reds-#Giants game. With two out and two on, Reds batter Eugenio Suarez attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 sweeper from Giants pitcher Logan Webb, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Blakney and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire May. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 10-9. This is Ryan Blakney (36)'s 1st ejection of 2026. This is the 104th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 59th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 59 Managers, 20 Coaches, 25 Players.This is San Francisco's 6th ejection of 2026, 2nd in the NL West (SD 8; SF 6; ARI 1; COL, LAD 0).This is Tony Vitello's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st since July 22 (Lance Barrett; QOC = N [Out/Safe]).This is Ryan Blakney's 1st ejection since August 13, 2025 (Alex Cora; QOC = Y [Balk]). Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs San Francisco Giants, 8/26/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Vitello ejected over early check swing before Giants blow 6-run lead in late rally for RedsView the full article

HP Umpire Chris Guccione ejected Rangers DH Joc Pederson (ABS challenge denial/strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 2nd inning of the #Rangers-#WhiteSox game. With one out and none on, Rangers batter Pederson took a 1-2 changeup from White Sox pitcher José Urquidy for a called third strike, attempted to challenge the call, but was denied his request; Pederson was later ejected from the dugout after White Sox catcher Drew Romo had several ABS challenge requests allowed. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the hollow beneath the knee (px -0.02, pz 1.56 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51]) but that Pederson's challenge request was timely, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 2-0. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 11-2. This is Chris Guccione (68)'s 1st ejection of 2026.*This pitch was a strike at the front of home plate and fell out of the zone at the middle (ABS) of the plate.QOC for this ejection is based on the umpire's denial of the timely ABS challenge request. This is the 103rd ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 25th player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 58 Managers, 20 Coaches, 25 Players.This is Texas' 4th ejection of 2026, 5th in the AL West (ASS, LAA, SEA, TEX 4; HOU 2).This is Joc Pederson's 1st ejection since May 13, 2024 (Mark Carlson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Chris Guccione's 1st ejection since August 2, 2025 (Miguel Cairo; QOC = U [Check Swing]). Wrap: Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox, 8/24/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Pederson ejected from dugout after series of catcher Romo's honored challengesView the full article

Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft appeared to have induced an inning-ending groundout from Padres batter Jake Cronenworth, but not so fast declared HP Umpire Dan Merzel, who had called a balk to score baserunner Freddy Fermin from third base. It's another Hybrid Stance & failure to declare Windup Position issue. Pitchers, you've gotta declare! The relevant regulation is Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a)(2) Comment, which states, "With a runner or runners on base, a pitcher will be presumed to be pitching from the Set Position if they stand with their pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the pitcher’s plate, and their other foot in front of the pitcher’s plate, unless they notify the umpire that they will be pitching from the Windup Position under such circumstances prior to the beginning of an at-bat." Prior to the previous batter Fernando Tatis' at-bat in the bottom of the 6th inning of Tuesday's Pirates-Padres game in San Diego, Pittsburgh pitcher Ashcraft declared to the umpires his intention of delivering from Windup Position while using the hybrid stance as prescribed by OBR 5.07(a)(2) Comment. But after Tatis struck out, Ashcraft did not re-declare his use of Windup prior to the ensuing Cronenworth at-bat. By rule (presently, until and if MLB ever changes it), the hybrid declaration (to use Windup while footwork is in Set Position [or an ambiguous diagonal angle]) must be made before each new batter the pitcher intends to invoke OBR 5.07(a)(2) Comment. HP Umpire Merzel made this same call on Braves pitcher Chris Sale, resulting in the ejections of pitcher and manager Walt Weiss on August 12.Related Post: MLB Ejections 090-1 - Dan Merzel (x2; Weiss & Chris Sale) (8/12/26). The history of Hybrid is that pitchers sometimes opt to use the stance when there is a runner on third base. The rule allows a pitcher to declare if a runner advances during the middle of a plate appearance (e.g., stolen base): "A pitcher will be permitted to notify the umpire that he is pitching from the Windup Position within an at-bat only in the event of (i) a substitution by the offensive team; or (ii) immediately upon the advancement of one or more runners (i.e., after one or more base runners advance but before the delivery of the next pitch)." In this case, San Diego batter Dustin Harris' groundout with Fermin at second base allowed the baserunner to advance to third. Pitcher Ashcraft then immediately notified umpires of his intent to pitch out of Windup while standing in Set prior to Tatis' at-bat. Ashcraft just didn't re-declare prior to the Cronenworth at-bat. Because the penalty for failing to declare is a balk (technically a start-stop balk in Set Position for starting the natural motion but failing to deliver the baseball on the first step [OBR 6.02(a)(1)]), there is no penalty for a pitcher who uses Hybrid without declaring it when the bases are empty. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Ashcraft balked for failing to declare Windup Position while standing in Set (hybrid)View the full article

HP Umpire Alfonso Márquez ejected Pirates pitcher Camilo Doval (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Pirates-#Dodgers game. With two out and one on, Dodgers batter Mookie Betts took a 0-2 cutter from Pirates pitcher Doval for a called first ball, overturned to strike three upon ABS challenge by Pirates catcher Henry Davis. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow beneath the knee (px 0.70, pz 1.90 [sz_bot 1.56]) and that no other pitches during the inning were incorrectly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 4-3. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 4-3. This is Alfonso Márquez (72)'s 1st ejection of 2026. This is the 102nd ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 24th player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 58 Managers, 20 Coaches, 24 Players.This is Pittsburgh's 9th ejection of 2026, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT 9; CHC 4; STL 3; CIN 2; MIL 0).This is Camilo Doval's first career MLB ejection.This is Alfonso Márquez's 1st ejection since August 3, 2025 (Jordan Beck; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 8/22/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Doval ejected between innings after pitch clock violation and ABS challenge winView the full article

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cubs manager Craig Counsell (step balk call on Matthew Boyd; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Cubs-#Mariners game. With none out and one on, during Brendan Donovan's at-bat, HP Umpire Miller called Boyd for a balk during an attempted pickoff throw. Replays indicate the pitcher stepped failed to step directly to first base before throwing to that base, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 4-3. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings. This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 2nd ejection of 2026.*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(3): "If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching their plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base." This is the 101st ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 57th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 57 Managers, 20 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Chicago's 4th ejection of 2026, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT 8; CHC 4; STL 3; CIN 2; MIL 0).This is Craig Counsell's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st since June 23 (Jordan Baker; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).This is Brennan Miller's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since May 19 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Catch/Trap]). Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Seattle Mariners, 8/21/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Counsell ejected arguing balk on Boyd's pickoff move to 1BView the full article

3B Umpire Dillon Wilson ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (check swing ball three call to Jackson Holliday) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Rays-#Orioles game. With one out and two on, Orioles batter Holliday attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 changeup from Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Vic Carapazza and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Wilson. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 3-2. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-3. This is Dillon Wilson (-)'s 1st ejection of 2026. This is the 100th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 57th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 57 Managers, 20 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Baltimore's 3rd ejection of 2026, 4th in the AL East (NYY 8; BOS 6; TOR 5; BAL, TB 3).This is Kevin Cash's 1st ejection since August 16, 2025 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Dillon Wilson's first career MLB ejection. Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles, 8/21/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Four check swing ejections: Torres/Weiss, Barrett/Espada, Libka/Ionnoti, Wilson/CashView the full article

WPBL Umpire Joelyn Pullano ejected Boston Hunters manager Jemile Weeks for arguing a no catch/safe call in the top of the 6th inning of the Hunters-Heights game. With one out and one on, Heights batter Katherine Murphy hit a 2-0 pitch from Hunters pitcher Denver Bryant on a line drive to short, fielded by shortstop Raine Padgham, who threw to third base in an attempt to double off Heights baserunner R3 Claire O'Sullivan. Following crew consultation between Pullano and HP Umpire Emilie Herpick, umpires determined shortstop Padgham did not catch the ball on the fly, ruling the batter and baserunner R3 safe. At the time of the ejection, the Heights were leading, 8-4. The Heights ultimately won the contest, 9-4. This is the first ejection in Women's Professional Baseball League history. Wrap: New York Heights vs Boston Hunters (WPBL), 8/20/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Weeks ejected for telling umpire "watch your mouth when you're talking to me"View the full article

1B Umpire John Libka ejected Blue Jays assistant hitting coach Lou Iannotti (check swing strike call to George Springer) in the top of 7th inning of the #BlueJays-#Rays game. With one out and the bases loaded, Blue Jays batter Springer attempted to check his swing on a 0-0 sinker from Rays pitcher Casey Legumina, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Barber and called a swinging strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Libka. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 5-1. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-1. This is John Libka (84)'s 2nd ejection of 2026. This is the 99th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 20th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 56 Managers, 20 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Toronto's 5th ejection of 2026, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 8; BOS 6; TOR 5; TB 3; BAL 2).This is Lou Iannotti's first career MLB ejection.This is John Libka's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since April 29 (Chris Cron; QOC = N [Quick Pitch]). Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays, 8/20/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Four check swing ejections: Torres/Weiss, Barrett/Espada, Libka/Ionnoti, Wilson/CashView the full article

1B Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (check swing ball HBP call to Mike Trout) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Angels-#Astros game. With one out and none on, Angels batter Mike Trout attempted to check his swing on a 1-0 sinker from Astros pitcher Ethan Pecko as it touched batter Trout, ruled a ball (hit-by-pitch) by HP Umpire Mike Estabrook and affirmed as a no swing HBP by 1B Umpire Barrett. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 3-2. This is Lance Barrett (94)'s 6th ejection of 2026. This is the 98th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 56th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 56 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Houston's 2nd ejection of 2026, 5th in the AL West (ASS, LAA, SEA 4; TEX 3; HOU 2).This is Joe Espada's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since August 5 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).This is Lance Barrett's 6th ejection of 2026, 1st since July 22 (Tony Vitello; QOC = N [Pushed off Base]). Wrap: Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros, 8/19/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Four check swing ejections: Torres/Weiss, Barrett/Espada, Libka/Ionnoti, Wilson/CashView the full article

HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Braves manager Walt Weiss (strike three swinging call to Mauricio Dubón) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Braves-#Twins game. With one out and one on, Dubón attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Twins pitcher Jeff Hoffman, ruled a swinging strike by HP Umpire Torres. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 6-4. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 6-4. This is Carlos Torres (37)'s 5th ejection of 2026. This is the 97th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 55th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 55 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL East (ATL, MIA, PHI 4; NYM, WAS 2).This is Walt Weiss' 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since August 12 (Dan Merzel; QOC = Y [Balk]).This is Carlos Torres' 5th ejection of 2026, 1st since June 16 (Carlos Mendoza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins, 8/19/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Four check swing ejections: Torres/Weiss, Barrett/Espada, Libka/Ionnoti, Wilson/CashView the full article

1B Umpire Alex Tosi ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (check swing ball two call to Tyler Tolbert) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Athletics-#Royals game. With one out and the bases loaded, Royals batter Tyler Tolbert attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 curveball from Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Andy Fletcher and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Tosi. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-3. This is Alex Tosi (66)'s 1st ejection of 2026. This is the 96th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 54th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 54 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is ATH's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st in the AL West (ASS, LAA, SEA 4; TEX 3; HOU 1).This is Mark Kotsay's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 19 (Dan Merzel; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Alex Tosi's 1st ejection since August 29, 2024 (Alex Bregman; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: F*#King Idiotic No City Athletics vs Kansas City Royals, 8/18/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Kotsay ejected during pitching change after KC ties game following check swing ballView the full article

1B Umpire Edwin Moscoso ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (check swing strike three call to Masyn Winn) in the top of the 10th inning of the #Reds-#Cardinals game. With one out and two on, Cardinals batter Winn attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Nic Lentz and called a swinging strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Moscoso. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 5-5. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings. This is Edwin Moscoso (32)'s 1st ejection of 2026. This is the 95th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 53rd manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 53 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is St Louis' 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 8; CHC, STL 3; CIN 2; MIL 0).This is Oliver Marmol's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st since July 16 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).This is Edwin Moscoso's 1st ejection since June 22, 2025 (Reese McGuire; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds, 8/17/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Oli upset over pair of check swing calls, including swinging during HBP, gets ejectedView the full article

3B Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Marlins manager Clayton McCullough (Replay Review decision overturning 1B Shane Livensparger's foul ball/runner placement call) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Phillies-#Marlins game. With two out and the bases loaded, Marlins batter Javier Sanoja hit a 0-2 slider from Phillies pitcher Jonathan Bowlan on a line drive down the right field line, ruled foul by 1B Umpire Livensparger and overturned to fair upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Marlins manager McCullough. Replays indicate the batted ball landed in fair territory in right field before being fielded by outfielder Bryce Harper, but is inconclusive as to the placement of Marlins baserunner R1 Otto Lopez at third base, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 4-3. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 6-5. This is Todd Tichenor (13)'s 4th ejection of 2026. This is the 94th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 52nd manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 52 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Miami's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL East (MIA, PHI 4; ATL 3; NYM, WAS 2).This is Clayton McCullough's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st since May 1 (Mark Wegner; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Todd Tichenor's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st since August 2 (Skip Schumaker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies, 8/17/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: McCullough ejected after Replay overturns fair/foul, runner placement denies runView the full article

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (strike one call to Luis García; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Yankees-#BlueJays game. With two out and none on, Yankees batter García took a 0-0 knuckle curve from Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the hollow beneath the knee (px 0.42, pz 1.53 [sz_bot 1.64 / RAD 1.52]) and that the Yankees had ABS challenges remaining but opted not to use any, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 1-0. the Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 3-1. This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s 8th ejection of 2026. This is the 93rd ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 51st manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 51 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is New York's 8th ejection of 2026, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 8; BOS 6; TOR 4; TB 3; BAL 2).This is Aaron Boone's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st since July 8 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).This is Vic Carapazza's 8th ejection of 2026, 1st since June 30 (Miles Mikolas; QOC = U [Fighting]). Wrap: New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays, 8/14/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Boone ejected from dugout in old-school balls/strikes argumentView the full article

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected White Sox pitcher Davis Martin (throwing at Sal Stewart) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Reds-#WhiteSox game. With none out and none on, Reds batter Stewart took a 0-1 fastball for a ball and 1-1 fastball for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located inside and above Stewart's head while the 1-1 HBP struck Stewart in the head, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 4-3. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 9-8. This is Alan Porter (64)'s 5th ejection of 2026.*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) Comment: "Intentionally Pitch at the Batter...To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be—and is—condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule." This is the 92nd ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 23rd player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 50 Managers, 19 Coaches, 23 Players.This is Chicago's 2nd ejection of 2026, 3rd in the AL Central (MIN 4; CWS, DET 2; CLE, KC 1).This is David Martin's first career MLB ejection.This is Alan Porter's 5th ejection of 2026, 1st since July 6 (Kyle Schwarber; QOC = U-c [Check Swing]). Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago White Sox, 8/13/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Martin ejected after headshot, second consecutive pitch thrown up-and-in to StewartView the full article

Umpire Dan Merzel ejected Braves manager Walt Weiss and pitcher Chris Sale (balk call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Braves-#Yankees game. With one out and one on, and Austin Wells at bat, HP Umpire Merzel called Sale for a balk for stepping, as in Windup Position, while standing in Set Position, without notifying the umpire his intent to pitch from the Windup Position while in Hybrid stance.* Replays indicate Sale lifted his free foot and returned it to the ground, which, with runner(s), is a start-stop balk, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-4. The next day, 3B Umpire Merzel ejected Sale prior to the plate meeting as the umpires entered the playing field for continuing to argue the balk from the night before. The call is similarly correct. At the time of the ejection, the game had not started yet. These are Dan Merzel (3)'s 4th and 5th ejections of 2026.*Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a)(2) Comment: "With a runner or runners on base, a pitcher will be presumed to be pitching from the Set Position if they stand with their pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the pitcher’s plate, and their other foot in front of the pitcher’s plate, unless they notify the umpire that they will be pitching from the Windup Position under such circumstances prior to the beginning of an at-bat." These are the 90th and 91st ejection reports of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 50th manager ejection of 2026.This is the 22nd player ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 50 Managers, 19 Coaches, 22 Players.This is Atlanta's 2/3rd ejection of 2026, 2nd in the NL East (PHI 4; ATL, MIA 3; NYM, WAS 2).This is Walt Weiss' 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2016 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Chris Sale's 1st ejection since August 3, 2019 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Dan Merzel's 4/5th ejection of 2026, 1st since June 19 (Mark Kotsay; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs New York Yankees, 8/8/26Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs New York Yankees, 8/9/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Sale start-stop balks for failure to declare Windup, leading to two ejections over two daysView the full article

Boston scored a run during Ceddanne Rafaela's sacrifice fly despite Red Sox runner R3 Anthony Seigler failing to tag up, bringing Blue Jays manager John Schneider out of Toronto's dugout as Umpire Crew Chief Chris Guccione explained a cavalcade of rules from time play to fourth out, appeal, and retouch. BOSS Operator & scoreboard factors played a key role in the confusion and we review it all here. The play: With runners on first and third and one out, Red Sox batter Rafaela hit a fly ball to Blue Jays CF Brett Bateman as baserunners and R1 Nick Sogard and R3 Anthony Seigler ran the bases as if there were two outs, failing to tag up. Toronto appealed R1 Sogard's failure to tag up at first base and ran off the field as the inning ended on the fly out-appeal out double play. The controversy: Umpires ruled that R3 Seigler's run counted, despite Seigler failing to tag or retouch third base, as required by rule on a caught fly ball. The confusion: Toronto's Ball-Out-Strike System (BOSS) operator mistakenly keyed two outs on the scoreboard, instead of one, erroneously attributing a second out to the prior play which featured a close catch/no catch call with Blue Jays 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. short-hopping Sogard's sharp line drive, ruled no catch (safe) by 1B Umpire Nestor Ceja. The BOSS operator then changed the scoreboard's displayed "2" outs during Rafaela's fly ball, which occurred on the first pitch of the at-bat. The Red Sox baserunners may have falsely relied on the scoreboard's erroneous "2" out display and ran the bases as if there had been two outs. The rules review: First and foremost, we visit Official Baseball Rule 5.08(a) regarding how a team scores: "One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning." When a play occurs during which a runner may or may not have touched home plate prior to the third out occurring at another base on another runner, a time play occurs in which the plate umpire must determine if the touch of home plate occurred prior to the third out or not. There is an exception to time plays in OBR 5.08(a): "EXCEPTION: A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before they touch first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because they failed to touch one of the bases." Toronto may have argued that exception (2) regarding force plays applied, but this is incorrect: "A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses their right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. (Force Play) Comment: Confusion regarding this play is removed by remembering that frequently the “force” situation is removed during the play." Accordingly, R1 Sogard may have been forced to advance at the beginning of the play, but the force situation was removed when the batter was retired on the fly out to CF. An approved ruling in OBR 5.08 further reinforces that failing to retouch a base is not a force play. The definition of appeal play thus becomes a factor: "Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when: (1) After a fly ball is caught, they fail to retouch their original base before they are or their original base is tagged." Because R3 Seigler touched home plate prior to the appeal play third out on R1 Sogard at first place, R3 Seigler's run counts due to the time play. In order for R3 Seigler's run not to count, the Blue Jays would have to appeal that R3 failed to retouch third base after the caught fly ball. Toronto did not. Although the third out was the appeal on R1 at first base, R3 could still be appealed under OBR 5.09(c)'s fourth out rule: "If the third out is made during a play in which an appeal play is sustained on another runner, the appeal play decision takes precedence in determining the out. If there is more than one appeal during a play that ends a half-inning, the defense may elect to take the out that gives it the advantage." Appeals must be made before the next pitch, play, or attempted play, but because the appeal on R1 ended the inning, a fourth out appeal on R3 would have to occur before the defensive team leaves the field, defined as the pitcher and all infielders crossing the foul line/leaving fair territory on the way to the bench. With no appeal, we revert to a time play, meaning that R3's run counts and the inning is over. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Rules review of Toronto's failed fourth out and time play as Boston scoresView the full article

HP Umpire Emil Jimenez ejected Mariners manager Dan Wilson (denied ABS challenge/strike three call to Julio Rodríguez; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Rays-#Mariners game. With two out and none on, Mariners batter Rodríguez took a 0-2 sinker from Rays pitcher Steven Matz for a called third strike. Rodríguez attempted to challenge the call by tapping his helmet after the call, but HP Jimenez denied his request. Replays indicate the strike was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.76, pz 3.48 [sz_top 3.38 / RAD 3.50]), but that the challenge request was immediately after the strike three call, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 3-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 3-2. This is Emil Jimenez (82)'s 1st ejection of 2026.*The strike call was correct, but the decision to deny the challenge request was incorrect. This is the 89th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 49th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 49 Managers, 19 Coaches, 21 Players.This is Seattle's 4th ejection of 2026, 2nd in the AL West (LAA, SEA 4; ATH, TEX 3; HOU 1).This is Dan Wilson's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st since August 5 (Mark Wegner; QOC = U [Throwing At]).This is Emil Jimenez's 1st ejection since July 28, 2025 (Carlos Mendoza; QOC = N [Juan Soto]). Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners, 8/8/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Jimenez denies Rodríguez's ABS immediate ABS challenge for illegal yelling, maybeView the full article

HP Umpire John Tumpane ejected Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins (illegal pitch no-call on Zack Wheeler's pivot foot on/off the rubber; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #BlueJays-#Phillies game. With two out and none on prior during batter Josh Smith's at-bat, Popkins was ejected arguing Wheeler illegally delivered with his pivot foot not in contact with the pitcher's plate. Replays indicate the the foot remained in contact with the edge of the rubber, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-4. This is John Tumpane (74)'s 1st ejection of 2026.Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a): "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset their pivot foot in their delivery of the pitch." This is the 88th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 19th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 48 Managers, 19 Coaches, 21 Players.This is Toronto's 4th ejection of 2026, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 7; BOS 6; TOR 4; TB 3; BAL 2).This is David Popkins' 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 8 (Jansen Visconti; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is John Tumpane's 1st ejection since Sept 21, 2025 (Mark Vientos; QOC = U [Check Swing]). Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Philadelphia Phillies, 8/7/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Tumpane ejects Popkins for complaining about Wheeler's pivot foot positioningView the full article

1B Umpire Mark Wegner ejected Mariners pitcher Gabe Speier and manager Dan Wilson (throwing at Tigers batter Gleyber Torres) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Tigers-#Mariners game. With two out and none on, Tigers batter Torres took two fastballs from Speier, resulting in a hit-by-pitch on the second. Replays indicate both pitches were located significantly inside and the HBP struck Torres on the left thigh; warnings had not previously been issued, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Mariners were leading, 3-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 4-2. These are Mark Wegner (14)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2026. These are the 86th and 87th ejection reports of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 21st player ejection of 2026.This is the 48th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 48 Managers, 18 Coaches, 21 Players.This is Seattle's 2/3rd ejection of 2026, 2nd in the AL West (LAA 4; ATH, SEA, TEX 3; HOU 1).This is Gabe Speier's first career MLB ejection.This is Dan Wilson's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since May 16 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = U [Check Swing]).This is Mark Wegner's 3/4th ejection of 2026, 1st since May 1 (Clayton McCullough; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners, 8/5/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Crew Chief Wegner ejects Speier & Wilson after conference over intentional HBPView the full article