Friday, September 25, 2020

MLB Ejections 79-81 - Dan Bellino (6-8; CWS x3)

HP Umpire Dan Bellino ejected White Sox pitcher Jimmy Cordero (throwing at Cubs batter Willson Contreras), manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper (ejection/warnings Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Cubs-#WhiteSox game. With one out and none on, Contreras took two 98-mph sinkers from Cordero, the second for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate both pitches were located inside and high, with the HBP striking Contreras in the upper back several innings following a home run during which Contreras flipped his bat high in the air, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Cubs were leading, 7-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 10-0.

These are Dan Bellino (2)'s sixth, seventh, and eighth ejections of 2020.
Dan Bellino now has 19 points in the UEFL Standings (13 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 19).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 21 points in Crew Division (18 Prev + 3*[QOCU] = 21).

These are the 79th, 80th, and 81st ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 36th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Cordero's line was 0.1 IP, HBP.
This is the 35th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Chicago-AL's 4-6th ejection of 2020, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 6; MIN 4; DET 2; KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Jimmy Cordero's first career MLB ejection.
This is Don Cooper's 1st ejection since July 27, 2018 (Fieldin Culbreth; QOC = N [Check Swing]).
This is Rick Renteria's 3rd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 22 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Dan Bellino's 6/7/8th ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 21 (Rick Renteria; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

MLB Ejection 78 - John Tumpane (2; Aaron Boone)

HP Umpire John Tumpane ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Marlins-#Yankees game. With one out and none on, Yankees batter Aaron Judge took a 3-2 slider from Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.37, pz 1.38 [sz_bot 1.86 / RAD 1.74 / MOE 1.65]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 3-0. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is John Tumpane (74)'s second ejection of 2020.
John Tumpane now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has -2 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = -2).
This pitch was located 3.24 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 78th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is New York's 5th ejection of 2020, 1st in the AL East (NYY 5; TOR 4; BAL, TB 2; BOS 0).
This is Aaron Boone's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 8 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = U [Warnings]).
This is John Tumpane's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 1 (Derek Shelton; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. New York Yankees, 9/25/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 77 - Jim Reynolds (1; Matt Kemp)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Rockies DH Matt Kemp (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Rockies-#Diamondbacks game. With two out and none on, Kemp took a 2-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen 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 2.21), the call was correct.*^ At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-0.


This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of 2020.
Jim Reynolds now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 11 points in Crew Division (10 Previous + 1 QOCY = 11).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 1.97 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.
^See UEFL Rule 6-5-c-5 regarding "realistically resulted in a different outcome" pitch counts.

This is the 77th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 35th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Kemp was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is Colorado's 2nd ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the NL West (LAD 4; ARI 3; COL, SD 2; SF 1).
This is Matt Kemp's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 4 (Gabe Morales; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jim Reynolds' 1st ejection since June 17, 2018 (Jason Vargas; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 9/25/20 | Video as follows:

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

MLB Ejection 76 - Nick Mahrley (2; Chris Woodward)

HP Umpire Nick Mahrley ejected Rangers Manager Chris Woodward (strike one call; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Rangers-#Diamondbacks game. With none out and none on, Rangers leadoff batter Isiah Kiner-Falefa took a first-pitch fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Yoan Lopez for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px -0.06, pz 3.72 [sz_top 3.35 / RAD 3.47 / MOE / 3.56]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 7-3. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 7-3. 

This is Nick Mahrley (48)'s second ejection of 2020.
Nick Mahrley now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = 3).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 10 points in Crew Division (10 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 10).
*This pitch was located 1.92 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 76th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 33rd Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Texas' 2nd ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the AL West (LAA 5; OAK 3; HOU, TEX 2; SEA 1).
This is Chris Woodward's 1st ejection since Sept 12, 2019 (Mike Muchlinski; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Nick Mahrley's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 9 (Dusty Baker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 9/23/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 75 - Bill Miller (1; Brian Butterfield)

2B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Angels 3B Coach Brian Butterfield (reversed Replay Review no-catch call/runner placement; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Angels-#Padres game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Angels batter David Fletcher hit a line drive to left fielder Tommy Pham, ruled a catch by1B Umpire Doug Eddings. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Angels Manager Joe Maddon, Eddings' ruling was overturned to a drop and runners placed with R3 Taylor Ward scoring and R1 Anthony Bemboom placed at third base. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-0), the call was correct.^ At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 5-2. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 5-2. 

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first ejection of 2020.
Bill Miller now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).
^Regarding runner placement, Rule 8.02(c) states, "If the umpires consult after a play and change a call that had been made, then they have the authority to take all steps that they may deem necessary, in their discretion, to eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that they are reversing, including placing runners where they think those runners would have been after the play, had the ultimate call been made as the initial call."

This is the 75th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is LA-Anaheim's 5th ejection of 2020, 1st in the AL West (LAA 5; OAK 3; HOU 2; SEA, TEX 1).
This is Brian Butterfield's 1st ejection since April 21, 2017 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y-c [Replay Review]).

MLB Announces Atlantic League as First Partner

Major League Baseball has found its first Partner: The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The new designation means that ALPB and MLB will meet and coordinate regularly regarding marketing, promotional opportunities, and, yes, experimental rules changes.

MLB's press release states that, "During the 2019 season, MLB and ALPB partnered to successfully test the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which used radar tracking technology to assist home plate umpires in calling balls and strikes."

Given our documentation concerning ABS' performance in the 2019 Atlantic League, however, Webster might want to rewrite the dictionary's definition of the word "success" to better accommodate what actually happened in the 2019 ALPB and Arizona Fall League.

Related PostBemused Batter Buzzes ABS Online (7/30/19).
Related PostALPB's Strike Zone Change & 1st ABS Call (7/26/19).

Looks like Joe Torre left his Park Avenue office just in time. | Video as follows:
Related PostTorre Doesn't Want Robot Umpires in MLB (7/26/19).

Kruk Hawks Joe as Crew Calls Backswing Interference

When HP Umpire Vic Carapazza and Crew Chief Joe West enforced the proper penalty for backswing interference (Rule 6.03(a)(3) Comment) during Tuesday's Phillies-Nationals game, Philadelphia broadcaster John Kruk expressed frustration, disgust, and, most notably, a thorough lack of understanding or regard for the Official Baseball Rules.

The following sequence describes what happens when the momentum of a batter's backswing (OBR/NCAA) or follow-through (NFHS) carries the bat behind his back and inadvertently makes contact with the catcher behind him as the catcher attempts to make a play.

Note: In high school (NFHS), backswing denotes pre-pitch bat movement (e.g., when the batter is first getting set in the box) whereas follow-through denotes post-pitch movement.

The Play
: With one out and one on (R2), Phillies batter Alec Bohm swung at and missed hitting a 2-0 fastball from Nationals pitcher Daniel Hudson as Phillies baserunner R2 Roman Quinn attempted to steal third base. After receiving the pitch, Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki attempted to throw Quinn out at third base, with Quinn sliding into the base ahead of third baseman Brock Holt's tag, eliciting a safe call by 3B Umpire David Arrieta.

Crew Conference: Immediately thereafter, Suzuki and Nats Manager Dave Martinez appealed to HP Umpire Vic Carapazza about potential backswing contact as replays indicate that Bohm's bat appeared to make contact with Suzuki's leg during Suzuki's throw to third base. After crew consultation with Carapazza, Arrieta, and 2B Umpire Junior Valentine, Crew Chief Joe West signaled for Quinn to return to second base and explained his ruling to Phillies skipper Joe Girardi, thus enforcing the penalty for backswing interference, as in Official Baseball Rule 6.03(a)(3) Comment:
If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.
Accordingly, West's crew made the correct call—dead ball strike, return the runner to the base initially occupied at the time of the pitch—but that didn't stop Kruk from expressing a Hawk Harrelson-esque exasperation...just as color analyst FP Santangelo on the Nats broadcast properly cited the rule.
Related PostCase Play 2016-9 - A Backswing on Strike 3 [Solved] (8/26/16).

Video as follows:

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

MLB Ejections 73-74 - Angel Hernandez (2-3; CWS x2)

HP Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected White Sox SS Tim Anderson and Manager Rick Renteria (check swing strike three call) in the top of the 10th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Indians game. With none out and one on (R2 [runner placed on second base to begin the extra inning]), White Sox batter Luis Robert attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 cutter from Indians pitcher Phil Maton, ruled a swinging strike by HP Umpire Hernandez. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (8-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the game was tied, 1-1. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 5-3, in 10 innings.

These are Angel Hernandez (5)'s second and third ejections of 2020.
Angel Hernandez now has 16 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 16).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 18 points in Crew Division (16 Previous + 2*[1 QOCY] = 18).

These are the 73rd and 74th ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 34th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Anderson was 1-4 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 32nd Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Chicago's 2/3rd ejection of 2020, 2nd in the AL Central (MIN 4; CWS 3; DET 2; KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Tim Anderson's 1st ejection since April 17, 2019 (Joe West; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Rick Renteria's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 21 (Dan Bellino; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Angel Hernandez's 2/3rd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 5 (Phil Nevin; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/22/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 72 - Manny Gonzalez (1; Mike Matheny)

HP Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected Royals Manager Mike Matheny (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Cardinals-#Royals game. With none out and none on, Cardinals leadoff batter Dylan Carlson took a 0-2 slider from Royals pitcher Brady Singer for a called first ball before hitting a triple down the right field line. Replays indicate all callable pitches during the fractional inning prior to Matheny's mound-visit/pitching change ejection were properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 3-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 5-0.

This is Manny Gonzalez (79)'s first ejection of 2020.
Manny Gonzalez now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 72nd ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 31st Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Kansas City's 1st ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the AL Central (MIN 4; DET 2; CWS, KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Mike Matheny's 1st ejection since Aug 16, 2017 (Chris Segal; QOC = U [Time Call]).
This is Manny Gonzalez's 1st ejection since Sept 19, 2019 (Mike Montgomery; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals, 9/22/20 | Video as follows:

Injury - Fairchild's Exit Sees Debut of Five-Person Crew

When HP Umpire Chad Fairchild suffered a game-ending injury and left Monday's Yankees-Blue Jays game, MLB debuted its post-season push regular season five-person crew, adding call-up Ryan Additon to the field as Crew Chief Paul Nauert assumed plate duties.

In the top of the 2nd inning of the Yankees-Jays game, Yankees batter Aaron Hicks fouled a 93.9-mph 0-1 fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker directly into the crown portion of Fairchild's traditional-style facemask.

Fairchild remained in the contest through the half-inning's completion, at which time he was replaced behind by the plate by 2B Umpire Nauert as 1B Umpire Carlos Torres and 3B Umpire Jansen Visconti remained at their assignments. Additon, serving as a standby official—a fairly new concept for Major League Baseball—took over Nauert's spot at second base, preserving the four-person crew.

Relevant Injury History: Injury Scout - Fairchild Hurt in Miami (8/14/19).

Last Game: Sept 21 | Return to Play: Sept 27 | Time Absent: 6 Days | Video as follows:

Monday, September 21, 2020

MLB Ejection 71 - Dan Bellino (5; Rick Renteria)

HP Umpire Dan Bellino ejected White Sox Manager Rick Renteria (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Indians game. With one out and two on, White Sox batter James McCann took a 1-2 slider from Indians pitcher Brad Hand for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.67, pz 3.16 [sz_top 3.49]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Indians were leading, 7-4. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s fifth ejection of 2020.
Dan Bellino now has 13 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 13).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 17 points in Crew Division (16 Previous + 1 Correct = 17).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 2.93 horizontal and 6.43 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 71st ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 30th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Chicago's 1st ejection of 2020, 3rd in the AL Central (MIN 4; DET 2; CWS 1; CLE, KC 0).
This is Rick Renteria's 1st ejection since September 2, 2019 (Mark Carlson; QOC = Y [Foul/Strike]).
This is Dan Bellino's 5th ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 17 (Josh Donaldson; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/21/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 69-70 - Junior Valentine (1-2; PHI x2)

HP Umpire Junior Valentine ejected Phillies CF Roman Quinn and Manager Joe Girardi (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Phillies-#Nationals game. With none out and one on, Quinn took a 3-2 splitter from Nationals pitcher Anibal Sanchez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.54, pz 1.57 [sz_bot 1.56 / RAD 1.44]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 2-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

These are Junior Valentine (115)'s first and second ejections of 2020.
Junior Valentine now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2*[2 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 7).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 7 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 7).
*This pitch was located 2.59 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 69th and 70th ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 33rd player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Quinn was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 29th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Philadelphia's 4/5th ejection of 2020, 1st in the NL East (PHI 5; WAS 3; MIA 1; ATL, NYM 0).
This is Roman Quinn's first career MLB ejection.
This is Joe Girardi's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 30 (Bill Welke; QOC = N-c [Fair/Foul]).
These are Junior Valentine's first career MLB ejections.

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals, 9/21/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 68 - Kyle McCrady (1; Anthony Rendon)

HP Umpire Kyle McCrady ejected Angels 3B Anthony Rendon (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Rangers-#Angels game. With none out and one on (R3), Rendon took a 1-2 fastball from Rangers pitcher Nick Goody for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.38, pz 3.48 [sz_top 3.25 / RAD 3.37 / MOE 3.46]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 8-5. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

This is Kyle McCrady (106)'s first ejection of 2020.
Kyle McCrady now has -3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = -3).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 10 points in Crew Division (10 Previous + 0 QOCN = 10).
*This pitch was located 0.24 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 68th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 32nd player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Rendon was 1-4 (3 SO) in the contest.
This is LA-Anaheim's 4th ejection of 2020, 1st in the AL West (LAA 4; OAK 3; HOU 2; SEA, TEX 1).
This is Anthony Rendon's 1st ejection since May 7, 2019 (CB Bucknor; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Kyle McCrady's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels of No Playoffs, 9/21/20 | Video as follows:

Sunday, September 20, 2020

MLB Ejection 67 - Mike Estabrook (1; Brian Goodwin)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Reds CF Brian Goodwin (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Reds game. With two out and the bases loaded, Goodwin took a 0-1 sinker from White Sox pitcher Ross Detwiler for a called second strike before striking out swinging on the ensuing 0-2 pitch. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.49, pz 1.45 [sz_bot 1.49 / RAD 1.37]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 5-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s first ejection of 2020.
Mike Estabrook now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 0).
*This pitch was located 1.96 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 67th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 31st player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Goodwin was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is Cincinnati's 8th ejection of 2020, 1st in the NL Central (CIN 8; PIT 5; MIL 4; CHC 3; STL 1).
This is Brian Goodwin's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Estabrook's 1st ejection since S-Feb 26, 2020 (Brent Strom; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds, 9/20/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 66 - Adam Hamari (1; Torey Lovullo)

HP Umpire Adam Hamari ejected Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo (strike one call; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #DBacks-#Astros game. With none out and the bases loaded, Diamondbacks batter Eduardo Escobar took a 1-1 fastball from Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.80, pz 1.44 [sz_bot 1.47 / RAD 1.35]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Adam Hamari (78)'s first ejection of 2020.
Adam Hamari now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Marvin Hudson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 QOCY = 4).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 1.37 horizontal and 2.08 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 66th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 28th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Arizona's 3rd ejection of 2020, 2nd in the NL West (LAD 4; ARI 3; SD 2; COL, SF 1).
This is Torey Lovullo's 3rd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 24 (Rob Drake; QOC = Y [Interference]).
This is Adam Hamari's 1st ejection since July 18, 2019 (Rick Renteria; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Donaldson Doubles Down...Or Betrays Himself

Ejected after hitting a home run by HP Umpire Dan Bellino for arguing a strike call from earlier in the at-bat, Twins 3B Josh Donaldson wasn't on the field as Chicago scored its come-from-behind, game-tying run on a ground ball to third base, a position Donaldson would ordinarily have occupied if not for his early expulsion.

As Chicago completed its victory over Minnesota during a playoff push that coincidentally clinched the postseason for the White Sox, Donaldson doubled down after the game, telling reporters that, "I felt great" about the sequence of events that led to Donaldson's ejection...perhaps Donaldson didn't notice (nor care) about Minnesota's subsequent come-from-ahead loss.

Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli, meanwhile told the media, he and Donaldson had a private chat about the event and furthermore stated he's "not worried about" the umpires, noting that with good umpires, the next games will continue without incident. And, specifically, with Angel Hernandez's crew (including Bellino) officiating the next Minnesota series, Baldelli is "not worried about that."

Instead, Baldelli said, of Donaldson's frustration and anger, "he's not sure what to do about it frankly."

Gil's Call: Donaldson stated he kicked dirt on home plate and deliberately provoked an ejection in an attempt to hold the umpire to account. This is hardly a unique subject, as umpire accountability is a routine theme that seems to manifest nearly every baseball season: all without regard for the playoff assignment metric or minimum performance standard.

Who is Donaldson picturing at HP?
A tale as old as time, perhaps, the accountability theme interweaves with perception of bias—in this case, bias against care, apparently—but is Donaldson's objective really as selfless as he makes it out to be? Donaldson stated his apparent desire not to transition to a computerized strike zone—he disagrees with some of the robot's calls, after all.

After all, what could be more selfless than having yourself ejected in a one-run playoff-push game, only for the opposition to score a key run on a ground ball to your vacated position, only for the game to continue onto changing the win/loss balance to your team's disadvantage?

Donaldson's EJs favor young umps.
What could be more selfless for a six-franchise player (the penultimate two—Cleveland and Atlanta—lasting less than a year each) than to opt for an early exit during a pivotal game?

Naturally, Donaldson's self-described righteous attempt at holding umpires to account fails to take into consideration two things. First, that a majority of his career ball/strike ejections have been associated with the correct call, and, second, well...Minnesota lost the game after leading at the time of ejection.

Donaldson has gotten himself into multiple fights throughout his Major League career, comprising the only ejections from bona fide Crew Chiefs, as is tradition. Otherwise, Donaldson appears keen on displacing unresolved anger issues, possibly childhood, likely father, onto qualified authority figures, that is the younger, less likely to band-about individuals—think Tripp Gibson, Toby Basner, Chris Conroy, and now Bellino; all ball/strike ejections—Donaldson has yet to confront a certain Joe West: too much exposure there, much easier to attack those equal or marginally higher up the seniority food chain, certainly not within Donaldson’s apparent facade of character to legitimately challenge a senior member of the staff, so newer umpires with less clout it is. Authority, but not overwhelmingly so.

When getting involved in a fight, as in the Blue Jays-Rangers ejection, best to stay in the background (or at least in the cover of a crowd) so as to take credit for being involved, but not necessarily being the primary instigator.

Donaldson thus says he feels "great"—a statement perceivably as strong as a facade can muster.

Although I suppose we won't have to find out... as long as Donaldson doesn't dox Bellino as he did Basner...Dan's a lawyer, slightly out of one's league.

Video as follows: