Saturday, September 24, 2016

Atlantic Series Features Phone Call, Protest, Meltdown

From a manager and umpire talking on a cell phone during a game to coach tantrums, the Atlantic League playoff series between the York Revolution and Sugar Land Skeeters has to be seen to be believed.

We begin with Game 2 of the Best-of-Five series, with Sugar Land holding a one game lead in the set: With one out and baserunner Brandon Chaves on first in the top of the ninth inning of a 10-9 ballgame, York hoped to mount a comeback and was down to its final two outs of Game 2. Revolution batter Michael Rockett hit a ground ball to third base, for what could have the makings of a game-ending around-the-horn double play...except that Skeeters second baseman Delwyn Young's throw to first was wild.

Umpires turn to the phone to check a rule.
This brought Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti out of the dugout to dispute legality of Chaves' slide at second base, initially ruled legal by 2B Umpire David Frame: a reversed call in this situation would have ended the game. After discussion amongst the umpiring crew of Michael Dorantes, Ryan Moorehead, Frame, and Rodney Galloway, the umpires brought both managers together to explain their ruling: "There's no doubt in our minds that your guy slid through the base...I'll be honest, the four of us here are not sure if that's illegal or not. We're not exactly sure what the rule says." 2B Umpire Frame saw the slide through the base, but admitted uncertainty as to the play's legality, relative to the bona fide slide rule. (Click here for a brief refresher and summary concerning bona fide slide Rule 6.01(j).)

When the crew asked if either manager had a rulebook, Gaetti jogged back to the dugout and instructed his staff, "Get Jeff on the phone," before the Skeeters management appeared in the front row with his laptop. After consultation via phone and computer, Frame's call was upheld and the game resumed with two outs, R1, ending via fly-out one batter later. (Video via "read more".)

Although the Atlantic League replaced the Dorantes-Moorehead-Frame-Galloway umpiring crew for Game 3 of the series, that didn't alleviate or eliminate the controversy.

High throw at first base during RLI play.
In Game 3, York Manager Mark Mason protested the game after a 5th inning play in which HP Umpire Nate Caldwell ruled that York batter-runner Isaias Tejada interfered with Skeeters first baseman Young's ability to field a throw from pitcher Brett Marshall, resulting in a runners lane interference call. Replays indicate Tejada did not run within the 45-foot lane and cast doubt as to the quality of Marshall's throw, or F3 Young's ability to retire the runner given such a throw.

When the umpires ordered York baserunner R1 Andres Perez, standing on second base, back to first base as the result of Tejada's interference, Mason protested the game, claiming that Perez should have remained at second base (by rule, Tejada's return to first base was proper).

HP Umpire Nate Caldwell ejects Frank Gailey.
The game also featured Caldwell's ejection of York pitcher Frank Gailey (2:04:10) and another "argument" concerning runner's lane interference, in which Caldwell no-called RLI during a routine sacrifice bunt play, resulting in Mason's ejection and meltdown (2:07:00).

Game 3 Video Link: RLI on Tejada & protest (1:29:30).
Game 3 Video Link: Gailey ejection (2:04:10).
Game 3 Video Link: Mason physical ejection (2:07:00).

The bunt play (R1 and R2, none out), in which the defense easily retired the batter-runner, drew Mason's ire, which might not have been about the play itself, but an accumulation of frustration regarding the entire series, and concluded with Mason's Revolution having been swept by Gaetti's Sugar Land Skeeters, three games to none.

Replays indicate Mason physically grabbed and shoved aside intervening 1B Umpire Tom Gandolfo during the ejection argument to conclude one of the oddest multi-day sequences in professional baseball.

Friday, September 23, 2016

MLB Ejections 178-179 - Adam Hamari (3-4; Kemp, Snitker)

HP Umpire Adam Hamari ejected Braves LF Matt Kemp and Interim Manager Brian Snitker for arguing a strike two call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Braves-Marlins game. With two out and the bases loaded, Braves batter Nick Markakis took a 3-1 slider from Marlins pitcher Andrew Cashner for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px -.891, pz 3.557 [sz_top 3.670]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 2-1. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Adam Hamari (78)'s third, fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Adam Hamari now has 18 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 18).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 9 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 9).

This is the 178th and 179th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 84th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Kemp was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 72nd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Atlanta's 9/10th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL East (ATL 10; MIA 9; NYM 5; WAS 4; PHI 1).
This is Matt Kemp's first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Jim Reynolds; QOC = Y-C [Check Swing]).
This is Brian Snitker's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since July 19 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Balk]).
This is Adam Hamari's first ejection since May 28, 2016 (Terry Collins; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins, 9/23/16 | Video available via "read more."

2016 World Baseball Classic Qualifier Umps - Brooklyn

Umpires for the 2016 World Baseball Classic Qualifier (Brooklyn Stage) convened in Brooklyn, New York, USA and officiated the final round of qualifying games for the upcoming 2017 WBC, featuring teams from Brazil, Great Britain, Israel, and Pakistan. Six games were scheduled from September 22 - September 25.

The following is a list of the umpires who have been assigned to and appeared during this WBC stage, along with their respective countries and/or leagues of representation.

Umpire Roster for the Brooklyn, NY Qualifier round for the 2016 World Baseball Classic:
Xu Bing (China [Beijing]);
Travis Eggert (USA [Gilbert, Arizona], Pacific Coast League [PCL]);
Andrew Higgins (Canada [Edmonton, Alberta]);
Shane Livensparger (USA [Jacksonville Beach, Florida], International League [IL]);
Serge Makouchetchev (France; Confederation of European Baseball [CEB]);
Alberto Ruiz (USA [Las Vegas, Nevada], Pacific Coast League [PCL]).

*Eggert also officiated the 2016 WBC Qualifier in Sydney, Australia.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

MLB Ejections 176-177 - Alfonso Marquez (1-2; COL)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado and Manager Walt Weiss for arguing a called third strike in the top of the 8th inning of the Rockies-Dodgers game. With none out and one on, Arenado took a 3-2 slider from Dodgers pitcher Joe Blanton for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px -.223, pz 3.785 [sz_top 3.420 / MOE 3.503]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 7-4. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s first, second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Alfonso Marquez now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call] = 2).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 14 points in Crew Division (14 Previous + 2*[0 Incorrect Call] = 14).

This is the 176th, 177th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 83rd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Arenado was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the 71st Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Colorado's 6/7th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL West (COL 7; ARI 6; LAD 5; SF 4; SD 3).
This is Nolan Arenado's first ejection since May 16, 2014 (Seth Buckminster; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Walt Weiss' 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since August 13 (Eric Cooper; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Alfonso Marquez's first ejection since September 15, 2015 (Pat Murphy; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 9/22/16 | Video available via "read more."

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

MLB Ejection 175 - Jerry Layne (2; Craig Counsell)

HP Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Brewers Manager Craig Counsell for arguing a foul ball call in the top of the 4th inning of the Pirates-Brewers game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Adam Frazier attempted to strike a 0-2 slider from Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson for a foul ball. Replays do not conclusively indicate whether or not the baseball made contact with Frazier's foot after bouncing off the ground, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 4-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jerry Layne now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 12 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 12).

This is the 175th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 70th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Milwaukee's 4th ejection of 2016, T-3rd in the NL Central (PIT 14; CIN 7; CHC, MIL 4; STL 1).
This is Craig Counsell's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since Sept 4 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Y-C [Obstruction]).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since May 2, 2016 (John Ryan Murphy; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/21/16 | Video available via "read more."

Athletics, Melvin File Ill-Fated Protest Over Replay

Oakland Athletics Manager Bob Melvin protested Tuesday's game over an overturned Replay Review ruling, as the result of an A's challenge, that essentially swapped baserunners at first base.

With none out and a runner on first in the top of the 3rd inning of Houston vs Oakland, Astros batter Jake Marisnick popped up a bunt to A's first baseman Yonder Alonso, who allowed the ball to drop untouched to the ground before fielding it and attempting to tag Marisnick as he slid for the bag.

1B Umpire Clint Fagan ruled Marisnick "safe" at first base, after which Astros baserunner R1 Teoscar Hernandez stepped off of the bag, and Alonso tagged him, resulting in an "out" call.

As a result of the ensuing Replay Review, the Replay Official determined Fagan's ruling that Marisnick had not been tagged was erroneous, and thus overturned the call. In regards to Hernandez, the Replay Official ruled that, had the proper call been made, Hernandez would have safely remained at first base. Melvin contended that the A's were entitled to a double play.

Replays indicate Hernandez did not vacate first base until after Fagan's safe call.

A's skipper Melvin opted to protest the game with Crew Chief Mike Winters, which marks Melvin's second consecutive protest filed over a Replay Review decision that Melvin disagreed with. On July 2, 2014, Melvin protested the decision to score a baserunner when Vic Carapazza's bases-loaded safe call at first base was overturned. Melvin asserted that had Carapazza's call at first base been "out" (and thus removed the force), A's catcher Stephen Vogt would have attempted to tag baserunner R3 scoring from third base, instead of simply stepping on home plate for the force.

Melvin lost that protest as the result of Replay Regulation II.K.4, which states, "No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the Replay Official. Moreover, a violation of any rule or procedure set forth herein shall not constitute a basis for protesting a game."

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics, 9/20/16 | Video available via "read more."

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

MLB Ejection 174 - Marty Foster (3; Danny Valencia)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected Athletics 3B Danny Valencia for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Astros-Athletics game. With two out and none on, Valencia took a 3-1 fastball from Astros pitcher Chris Devenski for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -.974, pz 1.983), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 10 innings.

This is Marty Foster (60)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Marty Foster now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 11).

This is the 174th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 82nd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Valencia was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Oakland's 6th ejection of 2016, T-3rd in the AL West (LAA 8; HOU 7; OAK, TEX 6; SEA 2).
This is Danny Valencia's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since August 5 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since July 30, 2016 (David Freese; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics, 9/20/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejections 172-173 - Pat Hoberg (6-7; LAA)

HP Umpire Pat Hoberg ejected Angels P Brett Oberholtzer and Manager Mike Scioscia for throwing at Rangers batter Elvis Andrus in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Angels-Rangers game. With one out and none on, Andrus took a 1-2 fastball for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Andrus on the upper left ribcage; it was the fourth hit batsman of the game and benches had been previously warned, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 5-4. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Pat Hoberg (31)'s sixth, seventh ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Pat Hoberg now has 29 points in the UEFL Standings (23 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 0 Irrecusable] = 29).
Crew Chief Kerwin Danley now has 0 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 2*[0 Irrecusable Call] = 0).

This is the 172nd, 173rd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 81st player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Oberholtzer's line was 1.1 IP, SO, HBP.
This is the 69th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Anaheim's 7/8th ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL West (LAA 8; HOU 7; TEX 6; OAK 5; SEA 2).
This is Brett Oberholtzer's first ejection since June 27, 2015 (Rob Drake; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Mike Scioscia's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since Sept 10 (Mike Winters; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Pat Hoberg's first ejection since September 11, 2016 (Gregory Polanco; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Texas Rangers, 9/20/16 | Video available via "read more."

Cause You're Stuck in the Wall - Batted Ball Out of Play

When Replay Review overturned Joe West's ruling of a ball in play, Jeff Banister's ejection seemed a fairly expected outcome: it was a potentially game-altering sequence, after all.

This is a rules recap of the ball-in-a-wall play, like the one that got Banister tossed.

To begin, the relevant rule is OBR 5.06(b)(4)(F), which states, "Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out [the ball is dead], advance—Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside the first or third base foul lines; or if it goes through or under a field fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence; or if it sticks in such fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines."

The relevant action verbs or phrases are deflected, goes through or under, or sticks.

This fair ball has stuck in the fence.
In Texas, for instance, there was no deflection into foul territory, the ball didn't go through or under a fence per se, so the only question is whether or not it stuck in the outfield fence.

On-Field Ruling: 2B Umpire West, in accordance with umpiring philosophy when the action area is about 150-200 feet away from the umpire's position, kept the play alive, simply because he was not in a spot to definitively rule a dead ball (e.g., with a home run or foul ball into the stands, the umpire can call the ball out of play from 200 feet away since, in most cases it is obvious the ball is out of play).

In these types of situations, where the ball bounces or rolls underneath the padding along the outfield wall, answering whether the ball engaged in sticking there is not easily answered from such a distance. Thus, the play is properly kept alive until such time that the umpire can conclusively investigate the situation.

However, with baserunners continuing to run the bases, it can be hazardous for a fielder to stop playing and leave the defensive team's fate in the umpire's hands: thus, the outfielder may opt to retrieve the ball prior to the umpire's arrival, in order to make a play on the batter or runner. For instance, Braves LF Justin Upton opted to stop playing when a ball rolled and stuck underneath a fence's padding in 2014, resulting in an apparent inside-the-park home run when the offense kept running the bases. After the play, the Braves successfully challenged that the ball stuck in the fence, and the runners were sent back to their two-base awards.

MLB Umpire Mike DiMuro previously opined on the ball-sticks-in-wall rule and the complications that arise from an umpire being 200 feet away from the play: "Ultimately, the proper ruling must be made by the base umpire who is responsible for the flight of the ball – and it is only possible to do so by running out to the fence to visually discern and confirm that the ball is indeed lodged or stuck. If the fielder dislodges the ball by grabbing it and removing it, then it can no longer be considered lodged or stuck." Thus, the advent of Replay Review quite literally changed the game insofar as the stuck ball is concerned: the post-play ruling can be made instantaneously upon the ball coming to rest, whether or not the fielder plays the ball.

For instance, Greg Gibson in 2013 (prior to Replay) ruled a live ball (non-stuck) on a ball that rolled beneath a fence's padding, and was ultimately fielded by LF Dayan Viciedo. This was the proper call, as the ball appeared to follow a tract underneath the padding while remaining loose: the wall did not, for instance, cause it to immediately come to rest; it did not stick at the wall's base.

Myth & Fact: Though popular baseball folklore implies that the fielder's actions—in throwing his hands up to communicate his belief that the ball is out of play, or in attempting to play the resting baseball—dictate whether the ball is alive or dead, the fact of the matter is that these actions do not determine whether or not the ball has become "stuck." DiMuro's explanation, above, however, helps explain why this belief persists, but at the end of the day, it's simply a myth, especially in this world of Replay Review.

This ball is ruled "stuck" by New York
The umpire's only consideration is whether the ball has deflected (into the stands), gone through or under a boundary, or stuck in such boundary. While the fielder's conduct may help the umpire determine whether one of these acts has occurred, it is simply one piece of evidence in the umpire's checklist in determining the baseball's status: It is the ball, not the fielder, that determines if Rule 5.06(b)(4)(F) is to be invoked.

To stick is "to remain persistently or permanently," or "to become fastened, hindered, checked, or stationary by some obstruction." In Texas, the ball became stationary by the obstruction caused by the padding protruding from the fence, where it remained persistently until the fielder played it. Of note is that, after rolling into the wall, the ball appeared to spin on end, but was prevented from leaving the wall by the bottom of the padding (~:45 in the below video): this is the definition of a ball which is "stuck."

This ball is not stuck: it remains loose.
By contrast, Yoenis Cespedes opted not to play a ball that he felt was stuck in a wall during a Spring Training game, resulting in an inside-the-park home run after field umpire CB Bucknor confirmed that the ball was not stuck in the wall. Replays clearly indicated that the ball, similar to Greg Gibson's play in Chicago, had ample overhead clearance and was not being held in place by the combination of the ground and padding: it was loose and, therefore, not stuck.

Thus, when New York/Replay Review looks at such a play and observes the ball roll to the wall, where it "remains persistently" and "becomes hindered" or held in place by the ball-sized gap formed between the ground, fence, and padding (but NOT if the gap provides the ball with ample overhead clearance such that it remains loose), NY will rule the ball legally out of play pursuant to 5.06(b)(4)(F): A ruling that an on-field umpire 150+ feet away from the play does not have the timely luxury of comprehensively seeing.

Two solutions to resolve the confusion: (1) Extend the padding to the base of the wall or to another dimension the ball cannot roll underneath, or (2) Raise the padding to provide ample overhead clearance.

Monday, September 19, 2016

MLB Ejection 171 - Chris Conroy (2; Josh Donaldson)

HP Umpire Chris Conroy ejected Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Blue Jays-Mariners game. With none out and one on, Donaldson took a 2-2 fastball from Mariners pitcher Drew Storen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .607, pz 1.429 [sz_bot 1.620 / MOE 1.537]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 3-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Chris Conroy (98)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Chris Conroy now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -4).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -10 points in Crew Division (-10 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = -10).

This is the 171st ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 80th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Donaldson was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Toronto's 17th ejection of 2016, 1st in MLB/AL East (TOR 17; BOS 6; BAL 3; NYY, TB 2).
This is Josh Donaldson's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 21 (Toby Basner; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Chris Conroy's first ejection since June 26, 2016 (Andrew McCutchen; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners, 9/19/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejections 169-170 - Danley, West (1|6; TEX)

HP Umpire Kerwin Danley ejected Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 4th and 2B Umpire Joe West ejected Rangers Manager Jeff Banister for arguing a Replay Review decision that overturned West's in play ruling in the top of the 6th inning of the Angels-Rangers game. In the 4th, with two out and one on, Moreland took a 0-2 slider from Angels pitcher Jhoulys Chacin for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.272, pz 2.871), the call was incorrect. In the 6th, with one out and none on, Angels batter Yunel Escobar hit a line drive to right-center field, that stuck into the bottom of the right-center outfield wall, before being played by the Rangers for a putout at third base, overturned as the result of a Replay Review and challenge by Angels Manager Mike Scioscia. Replays indicate the ball stuck underneath the outfield wall and that the outfielder was unable to free it cleanly as a result, the call was correct.* At the time of Moreland's ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. At the time of Banister's ejection, the Rangers were leading, 1-0. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Kerwin Danley (44)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is Joe West (22)'s sixth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Kerwin Danley now has 0 points in UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).
Joe West now has 13 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 Incorrect + 1 Correct = 8).
*Rule 5.06(b)(4)(F): "Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out (the ball is dead), advance—Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside the first or third base foul lines; or if it goes through or under a field fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence; or if it sticks in such fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines."
*Relevant Replay Review (Precedent): MLB Instant Replay Review 025: Marvin Hudson (01) [2014]

This is the 169th, 170th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 79th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Moreland was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 68th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Texas' 5/6th ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the AL West (HOU 7; LAA, TEX 6; OAK 5; SEA 2).
This is Mitch Moreland's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jeff Banister's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 9 (Laz Diaz; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Kerwin Danley's first ejection since June 22, 2015 (Asdrubal Cabrera; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since September 12, 2016 (Joe Maddon; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Texas Rangers, 9/19/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejections 167-168 - Toby Basner (3-4; Escobar, Yost)

HP Umpire Toby Basner ejected Royals SS Alcides Escobar and Manager Ned Yost for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the White Sox-Royals game. With two out and none on, Escobar took a 3-1 fastball from Royals pitcher Juan Minaya for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and knee high (px .612, pz 1.580 [sz_bot 1.570]) and that the strike one call was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px .730, pz 2.246), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 6-2. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 8-3.

This is Toby Basner (99)'s third, fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Toby Basner now has 12 points in UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 12).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 11 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 11).

This is the 167th, 168th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 78th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Escobar was 1-2 in the contest.
This is the 67th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Kansas City's 6/7th ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the AL Central (DET 11; CWS, KC 7; CLE, MIN 6).
This is Alcides Escobar's first ejection since April 19, 2015 (Jim Joyce; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Ned Yost's first ejection since August 18, 2015 (Mark Carlson; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Toby Basner's first ejection since June 24, 2016 (Bryan Price; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals, 9/19/16 | Video available via "read more."

Sunday, September 18, 2016

MLB Ejection 166 - Ryan Blakney (2; Joc Pederson)

HP Umpire Ryan Blakney ejected Dodgers CF Joc Pederson for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game. With none out and one on, Pederson took a 2-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Enrique Burgos for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and knee high (px -.111, pz 1.779 [sz_bot 1.680]) and it was the only called strike of the at-bat, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 7-7. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 10-9, in 12 innings.

This is Ryan Blakney (36)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ryan Blakney now has 9 points in UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -6 points in Crew Division (-7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -6).

This is the 166th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 77th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Pederson was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is Los Angeles' 5th ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the NL West (ARI 6; COL, LAD 5; SF 4; SD 3).
This is Joc Pederson's first career MLB ejection.
This is Ryan Blakney's first ejection since July 3, 2016 (AJ Hinch; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/18/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 165 - Jordan Baker (1; Ian Kinsler)

HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Tigers-Indians game. With two out and one on, Indians batter Mike Napoli hit a 2-2 fastball from Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris on the ground to shortstop Jose Iglesias who threw to Kinsler for the third out. Kinsler in speaking with teammate Miguel Cabrera made a gesture in the direction of home plate, resulting in his ejection; Kinsler, Cabrera, and Victor Martinez previously were hit by Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer, the call was irrecusable. Kinsler was reportedly evaluated for concussion following his ejection. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 5-4. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Jordan Baker (71)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jordan Baker now has 4 points in UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 16 points in Crew Division (15 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 16).

This is the 165th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 76th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Kinsler was 0-2 (HBP) in the contest.
This is Detroit's 11th ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (DET 11; CWS 7; CLE, MIN 6; KC 5).
This is Ian Kinsler's first ejection since August 16, 2015 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jordan Baker's first ejection since June 11, 2015 (Bud Black; QOC = N [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/18/16 | Video available via "read more."

Injury - Brian O'Nora Out on Hit to Facemask

Umpire Brian O'Nora, struck in the mask by a Hunter Pence foul ball, exited Sunday's Cardinals-Giants game.

With none out in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes threw a 95-mph fastball that Giants batter Pence fouled off of Cards catcher Yadier Molina's glove and into O'Nora's traditional-style facemask, resulting in a reported concussion.

O'Nora was replaced for the remainder of the contest behind the plate by 2B Umpire and Acting Crew Chief Laz Diaz with Doug Eddings and Cory Blaser holding their positions at first and third base, respectively.

In April 2013, O'Nora suffered an intestinal tear while working home plate in New York, resulting in May's medical leave. Later that season, O'Nora received a fastball's direct shot to the throat guard and chest protector in Boston, but remained in that game. It was the same August 18, 2013 game in which O'Nora ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing warnings following Ryan Dempster's plunking of Alex Rodriguez in the midst of baseball's performance-enhancing drugs investigation.

MLB Ejection 164 - Dale Scott (8; Martin Prado)

HP Umpire Dale Scott ejected Marlins 3B Martin Prado for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Marlins-Phillies game. With two out and one on, Prado took a 0-2 curveball from Phillies pitcher Alec Asher for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and knee high (px .999, pz 1.699 [sz_bot 1.470]) but that Prado attempted to strike the pitch (Play was reviewed by UEFL Appeals Board, which determined strike three was the proper outcome as a result of Prado's swing), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 3-0. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Dale Scott (5)'s eighth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Dale Scott now has 12 points in UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has -4 points in Crew Division (-5 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -4).
*See UEFL Rule 6-2-b-6-a, which explains why QOC is Correct by virtue of the charged third strike.

This is the 164th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 75th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Prado was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is Miami's 9th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL East (MIA 9; ATL 8; NYM 5; WAS 4; PHI).
This is Martin Prado's first ejection since July 18, 2014 (Cory Blaser; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Dale Scott's first ejection since September 9, 2016 (Welington Castillo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 9/18/16 | Video available via "read more."