Lindsay

When Replay Review ruled Rangers batter-runner Wyatt Langford safe at first base, even though he failed to touch it on an infield ground ball, Red Sox manager Alex Cora visited umpire Dan Iassogna for a "call confirmed" explanation. Soon after, Cora walked back to Boston's dugout, appearing satisfied with the crew chief's rationale...so what was the reason Houck was safe? With one out and two on, Rangers batter Langford hit a ground ball to Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck, who threw low to first base, where first baseman Romy Gonzalez failed to catch the low throw as batter-runner Langford danced around Gonzalez to avoid him. 1B Umpire Adam Beck slowly gestured "safe" as Boston opted to challenge the call, alleging that Langford was actually out because first baseman Gonzalez did eventually pick up the baseball while standing on first base. Replay Review returned a "call confirmed" decision, ruling the runner safe at first base, even though the runner missed the bag on his initial run through and even though the fielder's foot was in contact with first base, while he held the baseball, before the runner could return to touch the missed base. This is an appeal play pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c)(2), which states, "Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when: With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a base, they fail to touch each base in order before they, or a missed base, is tagged." An appeal is defined as "the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team," and the MLB Umpire Manual includes a case play whose scenario mirrors that which occurred in Boston. It states, "Batter-runner hits a ground ball and beats the play at first base but misses the bag...The proper mechanic is for the umpire to make no call on the play because the batter-runner has not yet touched first base. If the defense appeals by tagging the runner (or base) and appealing that the runner missed first base before the runner returns to first base, the batter-runner would be declared out." Accordingly, Replay Review applied the MLBUM case play to adjudicate this sequence. The runner is ultimately safe because Boston failed to make a clear and unmistakeable appeal claiming a violation of rules by the offensive team, which is a higher standard than a simple tag out. Whereas inadvertently stepping on the base while holding the baseball might result in an out during a force play, this is insufficient to effect an appeal because it lacks clear communication to the umpire of intent to appeal a violation of the rules. The only part of this play officiated improperly therefore was the umpire's safe mechanic: the proper mechanic is to make no call until either the defense appeals or the runner returns to touch the missed base. But without a defensive appeal, the runner is safe regardless for having beaten the play. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Langford safe at first base, even though he missed his base touch...here's whyView the full article

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Padres RF Fernando Tatis and manager Mike Shildt (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Padres-#Yankees game. With one out and two on, Padres batter Tatis took a 1-1 changeup from Yankees pitcher Devin Williams for a called second strike before striking out swinging on the next pitch. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.20, pz 1.62 [sz_bot 1.74 / RAD 1.62]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 4-3. These are Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025.*This pitch was located 1.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. These are the 19th and 20th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 7th player & 8th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 8 Managers, 5 Coaches, 7 Players.This is San Diego's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL West (ARI, SD 2; COL, LAD, SF 0).This is Fernando Tatis' first career MLB ejection.This is Mike Shildt's 1st ejection since June 25, 2024 (Adam Hamari; QOC = U [USC-NEC]). Wrap: San Diego Padres vs New York Yankees, 5/5/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Shildt launches angry tirade after Tatis' 3rd strikeout of the game and ejectionView the full article

Benches cleared several times between MiLB's Brooklyn Cyclones and Jersey Shore BlueClaws, resulting in three ejections for umpires Dominic Romero and Tatum Littleton, as a violent-but-legal infield collision, home run celebration, and retaliatory intentional hit-by-pitch riled the Single-A series, leaving the two umpires to manage a number of upset players, managers, and coaches. It all started with a hard infield collision between Cyclones baserunner R2 Eli Serrano, picked off and caught stealing 3rd base, that resulted in rundown, which ended when Serrano ran into BlueClaws right fielder Jordan Viars, the collision knocking Serrano to the ground and bringing Brooklyn out of its dugout. Umpires opted to warn both teams following this bench-clearing incident pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9)'s warnings provision: "If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at any time during the game." Two innings later, Serrano homered and celebrated during his trip around the bases, drawing further BlueClaws ire and an argument from manager Greg Brodzinski, who left the dugout to argue with the umpires several times over the course of this series. The next day, BlueClaws pitcher Aaron Combs hit Cyclones batter Chris Suero with a pitch immediately after Suero shouted out toward the mound, resulting in yet another benches-clearing event as the bullpens got involved, going back and forth with Suero at first base. Umpires Romero and Littleton had huddled up to confer after the intentional HBP, as is protocol, and the benches emptied during this discussion that had taken both umpires away from their game management responsibilities...thanks, of course, to pro ball protocol for intent HBP situations which mandate a full-crew conference. The umpires then had another conference before opting to eject BlueClaws pitcher Combs for violation of OBR 6.02(c)(9) ("If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to expel the pitcher, or manager and pitcher, from the game, or [issue warnings]") and batter Suero for his unsporting conduct with the pitcher and bullpen. BlueClaws manager Brodzinski got the boot for refusing to stop arguing after more than five minutes of discussion with the umpires following the umpires' own conference. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Benches clear, multiple ejections after intentional HBP, hard collision, and HRView the full article

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly (strike two call to Nicky Lopez; QOCN) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Cubs-#Pirates game. With none out and none on, Cubs batter Nicky Lopez took a 0-1 slider from Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes for a called second strike before grounding out one pitch later. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -1.00, pz 2.40), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-1. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 8-3. This is Lance Barrett (94)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 1.03 horizontal inches from being deemed correct. This is the 18th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 4th coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 7 Managers, 4 Coaches, 6 Players.This is Chicago's 1st ejection of 2025, 2nd in the NL Central (STL 2; CHC, MIL 1; CIN, PIT 0).This is Dustin Kelly's first career MLB ejection.This is Lance Barrett's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 27 (Chris Johnson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/1/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Kelly ejected from dugout after Barrett's outside strike two call, groundoutView the full article

HP Umpire Derek Thomas ejected Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins (strike three call to Alejandro Kirk; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #RedSox-#BlueJays game. With one out and none on, Blue Jays catcher Kirk took a 0-2 changeup from Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.75, pz 1.91 [sz_bot 1.49]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 4-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings. This is Derek Thomas (106)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 1.97 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 17th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 3rd coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 7 Managers, 3 Coaches, 6 Players.This is Toronto's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL East (TOR 3; NYY 2; BAL, TB 1; BOS 0).This is David Popkins' 1st ejection since April 6, 2024 (Brennan Miller; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Derek Thomas' 1st ejection since July 13, 2024 (Dane Myers; QOC = U [Check Swing]). Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays, 4/30/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Popkins angry, ejected after Giolito paints and Thomas calls Kirk's KView the full article

HP Umpire Bruce Dreckman ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (strike one call to Masyn Winn; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. With none out and none on, Cardinals batter Winn took a 3-0 fastball from Reds pitcher Scott Barlow for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.45, pz 3.39 [sz_top 3.37 / RAD 3.49]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 6-0. This is Bruce Dreckman (1)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 2.16 inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 16th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 7th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 7 Managers, 2 Coach, 6 Players.This is St Louis 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (STL 2; MIL 1; CHC, CIN, PIT 0).This is Oliver Marmol's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 21 (Mark Carlson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Bruce Dreckman's 1st ejection since August 4, 2023 (Terry Francona; QOC = N [Replay Review]). Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds (Game 1), 4/30/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: A strike call in the strike zone angers Marmol, who wanted another extra ballView the full article

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Nationals assistant hitting coach Chris Johnson (strike one call to CJ Abrams; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Mets-Nationals game. With one out and none on, Nationals batter Abrams took a 0-0 slider from Mets pitcher Tylor Megill for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitcher was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -1.01, pz 2.69), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 7-1. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 8-7. This is Lance Barrett (16)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 1.15 inches from being deemed correct. This is the 15th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 3rd coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 6 Managers, 2 Coach, 6 Players.This is Washington's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL East (WAS 2; ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI 0).This is Chris Johnson's 1st ejection since Sept 12, 2023 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Lance Barrett's 1st ejection since Sept 3, 2024 (Oliver Marmol; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: New York Mets vs Washington Nationals, 4/27/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Assistant of an assistant coach Johnson ejected by Barrett in DCView the full article

HP Umpire Chris Conroy ejected Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman in the botom of the 3rd and manager John Schneider (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #BlueJays-#Yankees game. In the 3rd, Yankees batter Jasson Domínguez flied out, Oswaldo Cabrera walked, Ben Rice walked, Aaron Judge singled, Cody Bellinger hit an RBI sacrifice fly, Paul Goldschidt walked, Jazz Chisholm walked (RBI), Anthony Volpe walked (RBI), and Austin Wells doubled (3 RBI). Gausman was ejected arguing balls and strikes during a subsequent pitching change. Replays indicate of the callable pitches in the half inning thrown prior to ejection, Conroy officiated 30-of-31 correctly (97% accuracy), the call was correct. In the 5th, with none out and none on, Blue Jays batter Guerrero took a 1-0 changeup from Yankees pitcher Max Fried for a called first strike. Replays indicate pitch was located over the over the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.66, pz 1.69 [sz_bot 1.60 / RAD 1.48]), the call was correct.* At the time of both ejections, the Yankees were leading, 6-1. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 11-2. These are Chris Conroy (98)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025.*This pitch was located 3.04 horizontal and 3.48 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. These are the 13th and 14th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 6th player ejection of 2025. Prior to ejection, Gausman gave up 5 BB, 6 ER in the 3rd inning.This is the 6th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 6 Managers, 2 Coach, 6 Players.This is Toronto's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL East (NYY, TOR 2; BAL, TB 1; BOS 0).This is Kevin Gausman's 1st ejection since August 4, 2024 (Laz Diaz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is John Schneider's 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2024 (Nate Tomlinson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Chris Conroy's 1st ejection since September 17, 2024 (Joe Espada; QOC = N-c [Fair/Foul]). Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees (Game 1), 4/27/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Gausman gives up 6 runs on 5 walks, gets ejected, and so does SchneiderView the full article

Washington turned a triple play on New York after 1B Umpire Alfonso Marquez's crew didn't signal whether Mets batter Jesse Winker's line drive was caught by Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, a somewhat similar play to the recent double play that resulted in minor league manager Jose Moreno's ejection in Double-A...but this is really about umpire positioning. In DC, with none out and runners on first and second baes, Mets batter Winker hit a line drive to Nats first baseman Lowe, who may or may not have fielded the batted ball on a bounce—New York wouldn't know, because none of the four umpires signaled safe or out for the catch / no catch element of this play. While the Mets stumbled around in confusion after the no-call, Washington turned a triple play with first baseman Lowe ruled to have caught the batted ball for out number one, runner R2 Brandon Nimmo out at second base on appeal for out number two, and R1 Mark Vientos out at first base for out number three. Umpire positioning led to a coverage vacuum contributing to the catch/no catch chaos, as 2B Umpire Lance Barrett's starting position outside the fielders with runners on base ran afoul of the MLB Umpire Manual's approved teaching for four-person positioning with runner(s). This isn't just a problem unique to this game, it's systemic in recent MLB memory, as second base umpires have increasingly opted to work outside even with runners, despite the Manual's instruction and assumption that all second base umpires will work inside (at the cut of the infield grass) with runner(s) on base. The MLBUM coverage responsibilities chart states that the second base umpire has catch/no catch responsibility for a first baseman ranging to their right on an infield line drive, but when U2 is working outside, they lose their advantageous angle to see the play. With the play going away from U1, this was not 1B Umpire Alfonso Marquez's call to make, so, effectively, no one clearly called in real time a line out, and the resulting confusion led to a Nationals' triple play. So as we initially opined back when umpires began working outside with runner(s), the starting position of U2 outside is problematic for certain plays with runners on base. This is just the latest example of what happens when U2 starts out with runners instead of playing in. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Critical flaw in bad positioning contrary to prior mechanics led to confusing playView the full article

When 2B Umpire Marvin Hudson called interference on Brewers baserunner Jackson Chourio on Christian Yelich's infield ground ball, Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy argued the runner's decision to run on the infield grass is actually legal. Hudson let Murphy have his say, leaving broadcasters to piece together why interference was called...and citing some totally unrelated rules along the way. With R1 Chourio on first base and one out, batter Yelich hit a ground ball to Cardinals 1B Willson Contreras, who threw to second base to try and force out Chourio. The ball hit Chourio and caromed into left field, drawing an interference call ("Time" and dead ball) by 2B Umpire Hudson. Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(3) states, "Any runner is out when they intentionally interfere with a thrown ball; or hinder a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball." While veering onto the grass on its own generally does not satisfy the intentionality standard of this rule, R1 Chourio's actions in raising his left arm prior to the throw's arrival suggests a proactive attempt to intentionally interfere with the throw. Thus, R1 Chourio is out not for running on the infield grass or veering, as the broadcaster's incorrectly stated, "out of his baseline" (first, it's a base path not a baseline; and second, the base rule only applies to tag attempts: a thrown ball is not a tag attempt, and therefore the three-foot base path rule does not apply here), but for intentionally interfering with the fielder's throw, as evidenced by his actions in raising his arm prior to the throw's arrival to disrupt the defense's play. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Runner Chourio waved his hand into a thrown ball, sealing an interference callView the full article

Umpire Chandler Durham ejected Lookouts manager Jose Moreno after an unusual double play when an already-out runner dove back into first base, confusing the batter-runner, who walked off the base even though he was safe. We take a look at the umpire mechanics of this play and discuss whether anything could have been done differently or whether the offensive team simply ran into an extra out. With none out and one on (R1) in the top of the 7th inning of the Chattanooga Lookouts' game against the Knoxville Smokies, Lookouts batter-runner Héctor Rodríguez hit a ground ball/line drive to first base, fielded by Smokies first baseman BJ Murray, who threw to shortstop Ed Howard to force out Lookouts baserunner R1 Sal Stewart, who retreated and dove back into first base as Howard's return throw arrived late on batter-runner Rodríguez. Despite 1B Umpire Spencer Kim signaling BR Rodríguez safe at first base, Rodríguez decided, seemingly on his own volition, to jog back to the dugout, leaving the base, whereupon first baseman Murray, now in possession of the ball, tagged him out for a double play. We first establish that R1 Stewart's actions in returning to first base despite already being forced out at second does not constitute interference pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(5): "If the batter or a runner continues to advance or returns or attempts to return to their last legally touched base after they have been put out, they shall not by that act alone be considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders." Second, noticing that during his argument Moreno animatedly motioned an "out" mechanic, alluding that perhaps the batter-runner was confused because the umpire signaled "out" prematurely, we observe that U1 Kim's only gestured mechanics during the initial action and before BR Rodríguez left first base on his way back to the dugout were "fair ball" and "safe"...U1 Kim did eventually signal "out" but only after the initial action concluded, only after the batter-runner started jogging back to his dugout, and only while also pointing to R1 Stewart to clarify that R1 Stewart was the one who was out. In sum, the mechanics here did not contain an improper "out" signal as argued by the Lookouts. Instead, perhaps the confusion resulted from Chattanooga mistakenly thinking the batted ball was caught on the fly when it was not. Thus the only mechanic that could have been different here would have been the umpire signaling "safe" after the fair ball mechanic, to signify that the batted ball was indeed not caught in the air. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Manager ejected after his own runner left first base despite being called safeView the full article

HP Umpire Mark Carlson ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (ball four call to Ozzie Albies; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Braves game. With one out and two on, Braves batter Albies took a 3-0 cutter from Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.32, pz 3.26 [sz_top 3.10 / RAD 3.22 / MOE 3.30]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 7-6. This is Mark Carlson (6)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 0.48 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 12th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 5th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 5 Managers, 2 Coach, 5 Players.This is St Louis 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (MIL, STL 1; CHC, CIN, PIT 0).This is Oliver Marmol's 1st ejection since Sept 18, 2024 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Mark Carlson's 1st ejection since May 13, 2024 (Torey Lovullo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves, 4/21/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Marmol run during pitching change as St Louis implodes in AtlantaView the full article

HP Umpire Adam Beck ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (strike three & Replay Review call stands foul ball [not HR] call to Aaron Judge; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Yankees-#Rays game. With none out and none on, Yankees batter Aaron Judge hit a 3-2 changeup from Rays pitcher Eric Orze for a fly ball beyond the outfield wall, ruled a foul ball by 3B Umpire Scott Barry. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Crew Chief review, the foul ball call was upheld (call stands due to lack of clear and convincing evidence - foul poles were too short, parallax angle). One pitch later, Judge took a 3-2 slider from Orze for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px 0.65, pz 1.92 [sz_bot 1.72 / RAD 1.60]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 4-0. This is Adam Beck (38)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 4.80 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 11th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 4th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 4 Managers, 2 Coach, 5 Players.This is New York's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL East (NYY 2; BAL, TB 1; BOS, TOR 0).This is Aaron Boone's 1st ejection since August 7, 2024 (Tripp Gibson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Adam Beck's 1st ejection since June 16, 2024 (Manny Machado; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4/20/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Beck runs Boone, who marches to argue with Barry over upheld foul ball callView the full article

HP Umpire John Bacon ejected Yankees 2B Jazz Chisholm (strike three call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Yankees-#Rays game. With one out and one on, Yankees batter Chisholm took a 3-2 fastball from Rays pitcher Mason Montgomery for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below of the hollow of the knee (px -0.60, pz 1.47 [sz_bot 1.68 / RAD 1.56 / MOE 1.48]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 6-3. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 6-3. This is John Bacon (70)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed correct. This is the 10th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 5th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 2 Coach, 5 Players.This is New York's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL East (BAL, NYY, TB 1; BOS, TOR 0).This is Jazz Chisholm's 1st ejection since April 30, 2024 (Jansen Visconti; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). This is John Bacon's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 13 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4/17/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Jazz tossed after flip-flop pitch calls, enters MLB players' hothead listView the full article

HP Umpire Paul Clemons ejected Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt (strike two call to Bobby Witt Jr; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Royals-#Tigers game. With two out and none on, Royals batter Witt Jr took a 1-1 fastball from Tigers pitcher Tommy Kahnle for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.40, pz 1.56 [sz_bot 1.68 / RAD 1.56]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 6-1. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 6-1. This is Paul Clemons (57)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 1.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 9th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 2nd coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 2 Coach, 4 Players.This is Kansas City's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL Central (KC, MIN 1; CWS, CLE, DET 0).This is Alec Zumwalt's first career MLB ejection.This is Paul Clemons' 1st ejection since August 26, 2024 (Wilyer Abreu; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers, 4/17/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Zumwalt gets warned and run with two outs in the 9th inning of KC's loss to DETView the full article

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Nationals pitcher Jorge López (throwing at Pirates batter Andrew McCutchen) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Nationals-#Pirates game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Bryan Reynolds took a first-pitch sinker from Nationals pitcher López for a hit-by-pitch. Ensuing Pirates batter McCutchen then took a 0-1 slider from Nationals pitcher López for a ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located head-high and inside, the call was irrecusable. Warnings had not previously been issued. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-1. This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2025.Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) Comment (Intentionally Pitch at 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 8th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 4th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 1 Coach, 4 Players.This is Washington's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL East (WAS 1; ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI 0).This is Jorge López's 1st ejection since May 29, 2024 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = U [Check Swing]).This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since July 21, 2023 (Alec Burleson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/16/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: López ejected after conference, bench clearing, for throwing at McCutchen's headView the full article

When A's pitcher José Leclerc threw to third baseman Gio Urshela playing off of third base, 3B Umpire Nick Mahrley called a balk, leading Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen to declare, "That's a bad call." Fact Check: It was the correct call, as an uncovered base is treated differently by baseball's balk rules. With one out and one on (R3), A's pitcher Leclerc threw to third baseman Baty to try and hold Mets baserunner R3 Tyrone Taylor at third base. Baty was not covering third base at the time and the throw was directed to him, not to the base. Accordingly, 3B Umpire Mahrley ruled a balk for violation of Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(2), and awarded Taylor home, scoring a run, bringing A's manager Mark Kotsay out of the dugout to argue. OBR 6.02(a)(2) states, "if there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching their plate, feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw." We then reference the MLB Umpire Manual interpretation of this rule, which states, "The pitcher shall be charged with a balk if, while in contact with the rubber, they throw to a fielder who is either in front of or behind first or third base and obviously not making an attempt at retiring the runner at that base. However, there is no violation if the pitcher throws the ball directly to first or third base in this situation." Flashback: On August 10, 2008, 1B Umpire Tim Welke called a balk when Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte threw to unsuspecting first baseman Richie Sexson playing in for a bunt attempt, resulting in Angels baserunner Chone Figgins advancing to second base (and R2 Mike Napoli to third). Thus, when pitcher Leclerc threw to fielder Baty off of third base but not anticipating the throw in an attempt to retire the runner at third base, he violated OBR 6.02(a)(2) by failing to complete a throw directly to third base, instead throwing to a fielder not at the base. It is important to note that OBR 6.02(a)(2) applies to first and third base, but not second base. Had this play occurred at second base, it would not have been a violation of the balk rule. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Odd throw to fielder not covering third base leads to balk call in Oakland SacramentoView the full article

HP Umpire John Bacon ejected Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the #BlueJays-#Orioles game. With one out and one on, Orioles batter Jordan Westburg took a 3-2 sinker from Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos for a called strike, as Orioles baserunner R1 Ryan O'Hearn stole second base. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.50, pz 1.46 [sz_bot 1.61 / RAD 1.49 / MOE 1.41]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 3-2. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings. This is John Bacon (70)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 7th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 3rd manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 1 Coach, 3 Players.This is Baltimore's 1st ejection, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, TB 1; BOS, NYY, TOR 0).This is Brandon Hyde's 1st ejection since August 7, 2024 (Larry Vanover; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is John Bacon's 1st ejection since April 10, 2024 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles, 4/13/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Hyde ejected after Westburg's second called third strike out of the TV zoneView the full article

A manager bumped an umpire during a KBO League ejection as LG Twins skipper Kyung-Yeop Yeom charged at 1B Umpire Young-Jae Lee following a force out at second on an uncaught line drive to third base, ruled fair by 3B Umpire Gap-Soo Kim. After U3 Kim ruled the uncaught batted ball fair, Doosan Bears third baseman Seung-Ho Kang threw the ball to second base to force out Twins baserunner R1 Seong-Joo Moon, as batter-runner Joo-Heon Lee arrived at first base. As confusion reigned at first base, U1 Lee called "Time" after a request from the Bears first baseman. Twins manager Yeom exited the dugout to argue that the third base umpire called "Time" during the initial play, but replays indicate none of the umpires did such a thing until U1's "Time" call well after the force out at second base. During the argument, umpire Lee and manager Yeom continued their heated exchange, culminating in Yeom bumping Lee moments after being ejected by HP Umpire Byeong-du Bae. The MLB Umpire Manual's situation handling guidelines, for illustration, state, "MLB Umpires should remain calm, confident, and non-confrontational in order to maintain an appearance of fairness and impartiality," while Official Baseball Rule 6.04(d), pertaining to unsportsmanlike conduct, states, "When a manager, player, coach or trainer is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in that game. They shall remain in the clubhouse or change to street clothes and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand well removed from the vicinity of their team’s bench or bullpen." Video as follows: Alternate Link: Angry manager ejected over non-existent "time" call, bumps umpView the full article

MLB Umpire Mark Ripperger called a perfect game in Kansas City, officiating Thursday's #Twins-#Royals game with 136 correct ball/strike calls out of 136 callable pitches thrown for a 100% accuracy plate score. These numbers reflect postgame adjustment figures and are normalized to both UmpScorecards' and CCS' measurement standards. This is not Ripperger's first brush with perfection. When Ripperger called A's pitcher Mike Fiers' no-hitter in 2019 for an overall accuracy score of 97.2%, his accuracy for Fiers' pitching was 100% (73/73).Related Post: 2019 No-Hitter 1, Mark Ripperger (1; Mike Fiers) (5/7/19). Stats for HP Umpire Mark Ripperger on 4/10/2025Balls: 89 called balls outside of strike zone / 0 called balls within strike zone = 89/89 = 100% Accuracy.Strikes: 47 called strikes inside strike zone / 0 called strikes outside strike zone = 47/47 = 100% Accuracy.Overall Game Score: 89/89 Balls + 47/47 Strikes = 136/136 = 100.0%. +0 Neutral. Video as follows: Alternate Link: Ump Ripperger just called a perfect game behind the plate in KCView the full article

Pirates 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes' made a heads up play to tag out Cardinals runner Thomas Saggese after 1B Endy Rodriguez and catcher Joey Bart collided in Pittsburgh, but should HP Umpire Lance Barksdale have called obstruction on the fielders lying prostrate in the runner's base path? In short, "yes" and in long form, here's why: With two out and runners on first and second base, Cardinals batter Willson Contreras hit a high fly ball in front of home plate, whereupon Pirates fielders Rodriguez and Bart collided, dropping the baseball in the process. As the ball rolled loose, Cardinals baserunner R2 Saggese attempted to score, tagged out by 3B Hayes who picked up the ball and tagged the runner before he slid into home plate. Barksdale called the runner out instead of ruling obstruction on Pittsburgh, even though Rodriguez and Bart, having misplayed the batted ball, lay strewn across the baseline and directly in the path of R2 Saggese. Had obstruction been called, Saggese would have been awarded home and the inning would have continued, likely with R1 Masyn Winn advancing to third base. The Official Baseball Rules define obstruction as "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." Standing in an advancing runner's path without the ball and not in the act of fielding, thus blocking their direct progress, is very likely obstruction. As for the act of fielding exemption, this applies to only one fielder: "If two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball...the umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit of this rule" (OBR 6.01(a)(10)). Although this is found in the offensive interference rule, the point about only one fielder receiving act-of-fielding protection applies here, as well. Furthermore, a fielder is not considered "in the act of fielding" after the fielder attempts to field the ball and misses, which occurred here as well. Thus, this is obstruction, and because the ball was loose at the time of obstruction, it is Type 2 / B: "If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in their judgment will nullify the act of obstruction" (OBR 6.01(h)(2)), as no play can be considered as being made on a runner (as in OBS Type 1/A) while the ball is loose (e.g., not in the fielder's possession or not being thrown between teammates). Video as follows: Alternate Link: Obstruction no-call follows collision, baseline blocking in PittsburghView the full article

1B Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly and manager Torey Lovullo (check swing ball four call to Tyler O'Neill) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Orioles-#Diamondbacks game. With none out and one on, Orioles batter O'Neill attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 slider from Diamondbacks pitcher Kelly, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Brian O'Nora and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Diaz. At the time of the ejection, the D-backs were leading, 4-2. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-3. These are Laz Diaz (63)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025. These are the 5th and 6th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 3rd player ejection of 2025.This is the 2nd manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 2 Managers, 1 Coach, 3 Players.This is Arizona's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL West (ARI 2; COL, LAD, SD, SF 0).This is Merrill Kelly's 1st ejection since May 15, 2023 (Brock Ballou; QOC = U [Check Swing]).This is Torey Lovullo's 1st ejection since July 22, 2024 (Jordan Baker; QOC = U [Warnings]).This is Laz Diaz's 1st ejection since August 4, 2024 (Kevin Gausman; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 4/8/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: A Seconds from Disaster Analysis of Laz's Kelly and Lovullo EjectionsView the full article

HP Umpire Rob Drake ejected Rays LF Christopher Morel (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Angels-#Rays game. With one out and one on, Rays batter Morel took a 3-1 fastball from Angels pitcher Brock Burke for a called second strike, before striking out swinging on the next pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.86, pz 2.55), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 4-3. This is Rob Drake (8)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 0.65 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 4th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 2nd player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 1 Managers, 1 Coach, 2 Players.This is Tampa Bay's 1st ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL East (TB 1; BAL, BOS, NYY, TOR 0).This is Christopher Morel's 1st ejection since August 7, 2023 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is Rob Drake's 1st ejection since July 26, 2024 (Kevin Long; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4/8/24 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Drake ejects Morel for slamming his bat after 8th inning strikeoutView the full article

HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli (pitch clock violation ball four call that was actually a quick pitch; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Twins-#Royals game. With two out and none on, Royals batter Jonathan India prepared for a 3-2 pitch from Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, who motioned to his PitchCom system to indicate a potential malfunction before re-engaging and rushing a delivery prior to the expiration of the pitch timer, resulting in a violation call by HP Umpire Lentz. Replays indicate the pitcher timer appeared to show two seconds remaining when Woods Richardson re-engaged and began his rushed delivery, while the batter was not reasonably set after the pitcher's disengagement seconds earlier, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 4-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-2. This is Nic Lentz (59)'s 1st ejection of 2025.Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(5): "A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted."OBR Definition: "An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk."OBR Definition: "A QUICK RETURN pitch is one made with obvious intent to catch a batter off balance. It is an illegal pitch." This is the 3rd ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 1st manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 1 Managers, 1 Coach, 1 Players.This is Minnesota's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL Central (MIN 1; CWS, CLE, DET, KC 0).This is Rocco Baldelli's 1st ejection since August 25, 2023 (Carlos Torres; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).This is Nic Lentz's 1st ejection since August 13, 2023 (Oscar Marin; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals, 4/7/25 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Odd quick pitch signaled as pitch timer violation prompt's Rocco's argumentView the full article

HP Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Rockies DH Kris Bryant (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Athletics-#Rockies game. With one out and two on, Rockies batter Bryant took a 2-2 sinker from A's pitcher TJ McFarland for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at of the hollow of the knee (px -0.41, pz 1.51 [sz_bot 1.70 / RAD 1.57 / MOE 1.49]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 12-4. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 12-5. This is CB Bucknor (54)'s 1st ejection of 2025.*This pitch was located 0.24 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect. This is the 2nd ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.This is the 1st player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 0 Managers, 1 Coach, 1 Players.This is Colorado's 1st ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL West (COL 1; ARI, LAD, SD, SF 0).This is Kris Bryant's 1st ejection since September 20, 2023 (Brian Knight; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).This is CB Bucknor's 1st ejection since September 2, 2023 (Kevin Cash; QOC = N [Pitch Clock]). Wrap: Oakland-ish Athletics vs Colorado Rockies, 4/6/24 | There is no video for this ejection.View the full article