MLB Ejections 030-1 - Bill Miller (1-2; CWS x2)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected White Sox hitting coach Marcus Thames and manager Will Venable (strike two call to Chase Meidroth; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Marlins-#WhiteSox game. With one out and none on, White Sox batter Meidroth took a 1-1 curveball from Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara for a called second strike.. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.27, pz 1.19 [sz_bot 1.17 / RAD 1.05]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the game was tied, 1-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

These are Bill Miller (26)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025.

These are the 30th and 31st ejections of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 9th coach & 14th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 14 Managers, 9 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is Chicago's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL Central (CWS, MIN 2; KC 1; CLE, DET 0).

This is Marcus Thames' 1st ejection since July 13, 2024 (Malachi Moore; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Will Venable's 1st ejection since July 17, 2021 (Laz Diaz; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

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

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Chicago White Sox, 5/11/25 | Video as follows:

Padres Lose Game-Tying HR After Ball Hits Wall

What looked like Padres batter Ha-Seong Kim's game-tying home run vs Miami in the 9th inning turned into a double after Replay Review determined the ball that left the playing field failed to do so "in flight" and as such entitled the batter-runner to just two bases.

With two outs in the top of the 9th inning, and Miami leading San Diego 7-6, Padres batter Kim hit a 1-0 fastball from Marlins pitcher Andrew Nardi on a fly ball to deep left-center field where left fielder Kyle Stowers leapt to try and make a game-winning catch, only to see the ball bounce off the outfield wall, then his glove, before caroming over the wall.

Initially ruled a home run by 2B Umpire Scott Barry, Replay overturned the call to a double, which ultimately resulted in a Padres loss as Luis Campusano struck out swinging to end the game.

Should the home run have stood? Here is the rule used to justify the call.

Official Baseball Rule 5.05(a) discusses base awards, granting four bases for a fair ball that passes over a fence while giving just two bases for a bounding fair ball deflected by the fielder into the stands.

There is a specific MLB Umpire Manual interpretation on this point stating "a fair fly ball striking the top of the outfield wall and bounding over the wall shall be ruled a home run."

MLBUM continues, "A fair fly ball striking the top of the outfield wall and bounding back onto the playing field shall be treated the same as a fair fly ball that strikes the outfield wall and rebounds back onto the playing field (in play but may not be caught for the purposes of an out)".

Of similar importance, OBR defines "in flight" as "a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder."

Accordingly, because the fair fly ball struck the outfield fence and bounded back onto the playing field before then changing direction a second time upon hitting the fielder's glove and ultimately bouncing over the wall, it is deemed a ball rebounding onto the playing field and, thus, a double when the fielder deflected this now-bounding (and not "in flight") ball out of play.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 143 - Bill Miller (1; David Bell)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Reds manager David Bell (strike three call to Elly De La Cruz; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Reds-#Marlins game. With two out and none on, De La Cruz took a 2-2 slider from Marlins pitcher Andrew Nardi for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.36, pz 1.52 [sz_bot 1.61 / RAD 1.49]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 10-4, in 10 innings.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.32 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 143rd ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 72nd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 72 Managers, 22 Coaches, 49 Players.

This is Cincinnati's 4th ejection of 2024, 5th in the NL West (MIL, PIT 6; CHC, STL 5; CIN 4).

This is David Bell's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since June 23 (Todd Tichenor; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since September 9, 2023 (Brian Snitker; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs Washington Nationals, 8/8/24 | Video as follows:

Why Did Umps Allow Glasnow to Pitch Despite Sticky Hands?

During Cincinnati's 7-2 victory over LA on Thursday, umpire Bill Miller's crew found Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow's throwing hand particularly sticky and discolored during a 2nd inning illegal substances inspection, but did not eject Los Angeles' starter for violation of the foreign substance rule. Given Laz Diaz's recent ejection of Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco for such a violation, why did Miller's crew allow Glasgow to remain in the game?

In June 2021, MLB issued new foreign substance guidelines designed to more strictly enforce Official Baseball Rules 3.01 and 6.02(c), both of which pertain to foreign substances.

OBR 3.01 states, "No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery-paper or other foreign substance" while OBR 6.02(c) prohibits the following actions: "rub the ball on their glove, person or clothing...apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball...deface the ball in any manner...have on their person or in their possession any foreign substance."

That last clause of OBR 6.02(c) is the most important because it prohibits a pitcher from simply possessing any foreign substance. It was this violation of OBR 6.02(c)(7) that prompted Diaz to eject Blanco two days before this Reds-Dodgers game. So why didn't Glasnow get the boot, too?

It all boils down to the type of illegal substance inspection conducted by the crew.

In Diaz's case, 1B Umpire Erich Bacchus detected something bizarre during an entry inspection in the 4th inning, or one conducted as Blanco took the field to pitch the top of the 4th. By contrast, Miller inspected Glasnow during an exit inspection after the Dodgers pitcher retired Cincinnati to end the top of the 2nd inning in LA.

The difference here is succinctly entry vs exit inspections, and, specifically, the rosin bag rule.

OBR 4.01(f) states "that an official rosin bag is placed on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate prior to the start of each game." Rosin is a legal substance and if an umpire detects rosin on the pitcher's hand, this is not grounds for ejection. However, the pitcher should only have rosin on their hand when actually pitching or directly after doing so, as the official, MLB-approved rosin bag is located on the field, not in the dugout and not in the bullpen.

Therefore, during an exit inspection conducted after a pitcher has been on the on-field mound and used the on-field rosin bag, it is not unusual for rosin to be on said pitcher's hand. If there is a question as to stickiness, the pitcher has plausible deniability (the "it's just rosin and sweat" line), and umpires who are suspicious but cannot prove anything can simply ask the pitcher to wash the hand prior to returning to the field the next inning.

But during an entry inspection, the pitcher from the dugout should not have any substance, including rosin, on their hand. The MLB-approved rosin bag is on the field, not in the dugout, after all.

And this is why most illegal substance ejections occur during entry inspections, rather than exit inspections: the rosin angle of plausible deniability cannot be used during an entry inspection, but can during an exit one.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 224 - Bill Miller (5; Brian Snitker)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Braves manager Brian Snitker (ejection/throwing at no-call) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Pirates-#Braves game. With two out and two on, Braves batter Austin Riley took a 0-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher Johan Oviedo for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Riley on the upper arm, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 5th ejection of 2023.

This is the 224th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 102nd manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 102 Managers, 90 Players, 32 Coaches.

This is Atlanta's 3rd ejection of 2023, T-4th in the NL East (MIA 14; PHI 9; NYM 6; ATL, WAS 3).

This is Brian Snitker's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 14 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Replay]).

This is Bill Miller's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since August 9 (Skip Schumaker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Atlanta Braves, 9/9/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 188-9 - Bill Miller (3-4; MIA x2)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Reds DH Jorge Soler and manager Skip Schumaker (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Marlins-#Reds game. With one out and one on, Soler took a 0-2 fastball from Reds pitcher Ian Gibaut for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.59, pz 2.66), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 4-1. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Bill Miller (26)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2023.

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

This pitch was located 3.89 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 188th and 189th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 78th player ejection of 2023. This is the 86th manager ejection of 2023.

This is Miami's 13/14th ejections of 2023, 1st in the NL East (MIA 14; PHI 8; NYM 6; WAS 3; ATL 2).

This is Jorge Soler's 1st ejection since July 16, 2019 (Tom Hallion; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Skip Schumaker's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 7 (Roberto Ortiz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Miller's 3/4th ejections of 2023, 1st since June 13 (Drew Smith; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Cincinnati Reds, 8/9/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 100 - Bill Miller (2; Drew Smith)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Mets pitcher Drew Smith (failed illegal substance check) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Yankees-#Mets game. While performing his MLB-mandated foreign substance inspection on Smith prior to the start of the 7th inning, Miller discovered an illegal substance on Smith's hands, resulting in ejection for violating the league's illegal substance policy and Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(7), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 7-6. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

^At this pace, 2023 will feature 245 regular season ejections.

This is the 100th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 42nd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 48 Managers, 42 Players, 10 Coaches.

This is New York's 4th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL East (MIA 7; PHI 6; NYM 4; ATL 1; WAS 0).

This is Drew Smith's first career MLB ejection.

This is Bill Miller's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 10 (Rob Thomson; QOC = U [Pitch Clock]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs New York Mets, 6/13/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 094 - Bill Miller (1; Rob Thomson)

3B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Phillies manager Rob Thomson (warning when Aaron Nola requested a replacement baseball) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Dodgers-#Phillies game. With two out and none on, and Dodgers batter David Peralta at bat with a 2-2 count, Nola requested a new baseball after throwing the baseball he held out of play. Ortiz handed a replacement ball to Realmuto as Miller warned Nola that he could not repeatedly ask for new baseballs, resulting in an argument from Thomson, but no automatic ball added to the count for a pitch timer violation because Thomson's argument preceded the expiration of time.

Between pitches, a 15-second timer is in place with the bases empty. The two disengagements-per-plate-appearance rule only applies with runner(s) on base, so pitcher Nola was not entitled to a step-off to reset the clock. Furthermore, MLB has stated that o. Any attempt to circumvent the pitch timer rules and/or delay the game will result in a warning and/or violation being called. Pitchers may ask for a new ball, but must do so with at least eight seconds remaining on the clock. Repeated asks will result in a warning. It is against the new pitch clock rules to request new baseballs in an attempt to circumvent the pitch clock timer through excessive "resets" of the clock.

At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 3-0. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 9-0.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of 2023 (regular season).

This is the 94th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 46th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 46 Managers, 38 Players, 10 Coaches.

This is Philadelphia's 6th ejection of 2023, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 7; PHI 6; NYM 3; ATL 1; WAS 0).

This is Rob Thomson's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 14 (Ryan Wills; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since March 22, 2023 (Ryan Tepera; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies, 6/10/23 | Video as follows:

Spring Ejection 2 - Bill Miller (1; Ryan Tepera)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Angels pitcher Ryan Tepera (failed illegal foreign substance check) before calling a pitch violation strikeout (automatic third strike) on Angels batter Taylor Jones in the 5th inning of the #Angels-#Rangers game. In the top of the 5th, Angels manager Phil Nevin substituted in relief pitcher Tepera for starting pitcher Griffin Canning. At the conclusion of the half-inning, HP Umpire Miller checked Tepera's glove, hat, and belt before ejecting the Angels pitcher for an illegal substance. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 2-0. During the first at-bat of the subsequent bottom of the 5th inning (Rangers pitcher Joe Barlow vs Angels batter Jones), Miller called an automatic strike on Jones for failing to be alert to the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the pitch clock. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of Spring Training 2023.

This is the second ejection of MLB Spring Training 2023.

This is the second player ejection of Spring 2023. Prior to ejection, Tepera's line was 0.1 IP, 2 ER, HR.

This is Los Angeles-AL's 1st ejection of Spring, 1st in the Cactus League (LAA 1; All Others 0).

This is Ryan Tepera's 1st ejection since June 26, 2022 (John Bacon; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since August 21, 2022 (Mark Kotsay; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs Los Angeles Angels (Spring Training), 3/18/23 | Video as follows:

Ask - Washington Loses Run on Miami's Chaser Appeal

Already 43 games behind first place in the NL East, the Washington Nationals lost an apparent run in Miami after Marlins catcher Nick Fortes successfully appealed to HP Umpire Bill Miller that Nats baserunner CJ Abrams failed to touch home plate, a call affirmed via Replay Review.

With none out and two on (R1 Vargas, R3 Abrams) in the 2nd inning of Sunday's affair in Miami, Nationals batter Victor Robles hit a ground ball to Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera, who threw home to catcher Fortes as runner R3 Abrams slid toward home plate. HP Umpire Miller made no signal, only ruling R3 Abrams out after catcher Fortes pursued Abrams to the visitor's first-base dugout at Marlins Park to apply a tag.

The Appeal Rule: Pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c)(2), a runner is out on appeal when "they fail to touch each base in order before they, or a missed base, are tagged."

Furthermore, the MLB Umpire Manual advises what to do when both the runner misses their base touch and the fielder misses their tag of the runner, as Miller ruled occurred in Miami: "the umpire shall make no signal on the play...the runner must then be tagged if they attempt to return to the plate; if they continue on their way to the bench, the defense may make an appeal."

If the runner returns to the plate before being tagged, the umpire may then signal the runner safe.

If the runner makes no attempt to return to the plate, as occurred in Miami, the catcher has two options to appeal. For this play, F2 Fortes could have either tagged home plate or tagged the runner Abrams; so-called "accidental" appeals wherein the fielder inadvertently steps on the base with the ball don't count, meaning that Fortes would have to make it clear to HP Umpire Miller that stepping on the base was an intentional act alleging that runner Abrams failed to legally touch it—pursuing the runner to the warning track in front of their dugout in order to apply a tag, while time-consuming, is also a valid appeal option, meaning that Miller properly ruled on Fortes' appeal, declaring runner Abrams out for failing to touch a base. 

Video as follows:

Teachable Quickie - Oversliding a Base with Bill Miller

2B Umpire Bill Miller calls Brewers batter-runner Keston Hiura out for oversliding second base in this CCS Quickie Teachable. When it is apparent that Hiura, having batted a ball to left field, will attempt to stretch his single into a double, Miller takes his position to see Pirates infielder Kevin Newman's tag attempt on Hiura.

In addition to simply determining whether batter-runner Hiura is safe or out on the tag, Miller must also deduce whether, if Hiura was indeed tagged while off second base, whether this overslide was caused by fielder Newman illegally forcing the runner off of a base attained legally.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 139 - Bill Miller (2; Mark Kotsay)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (check swing ball call) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Mariners-#Athletics game. With two out and one on (R3), Mariners batter Cal Raleigh attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 fastball from A's pitcher AJ Puk, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Doug Eddings and affirmed on appeal as no swing by 1B Umpire Miller. One pitch earlier, Raleigh took a 1-2 slider from Puk for a called second strike located off the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px 1.08, pz 2.98 [Expected Call: Ball]). Kotsay was ejected two at-bats later, when HP Umpire Eddings called Ty France for a swinging strike as France attempted to check his swing on a 1-0 slider from A's pitcher Zach Jackson. Play was reviewed and adjudicated as a swinging strike by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0), the call was INCORRECT. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 4-3. The A's ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 2nd ejection of 2022.

This is the 139th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 77th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Oakland's 5th ejection of 2022, 4th in the AL West (LAA 9; HOU, SEA 7; OAK 5; TEX 2).

This is Mark Kotsay's 4th ejection of 2022, 1st since July 2 (Chris Segal; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Miller's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since May 10 (Joe Girardi; QOC = U [Denied Replay]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Oakland Athletics, 8/21/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 034-35 - Miller & Eddings (1,1; PHI-SEA)

3B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Phillies manager Joe Girardi (untimely Replay Review request/time expired) in the bottom of the 2nd inning and HP Umpire Doug Eddings ejected Mariners catcher Luis Torrens (check swing strike three call) of the #Phillies-#Mariners game. In the 2nd, with one out and one on (R2), Mariners batter Adam Frazier hit a ground ball to second baseman Jean Segura, who threw to first baseman Rhys Hoskins as Frazier arrived at first base, ruled safe by 1B Umpire Brian Knight. Replays indicate first baseman Hoskins appeared to possess the ball upon tagging first base prior to Frazier's arrival, but dropped the ball as his glove collided with Frazier's leg; the 20-second Replay Review decision clock expired prior to Girardi's request to challenge the play, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 3-0. In the 8th, with none out and none on, Mariners batter Torrens attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Phillies pitcher Andrew Bellatti, ruled a swinging strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Brian Knight. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (8-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 5-3. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

This is Doug Eddings (88)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Bill Miller now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).

Doug Eddings now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4)

Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 QOCU + 1 QOCY = 4).

These are the 34th and 35th ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 15th manager ejection of 2022.

This is the 13th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Torrens was 2-4 (SO) in the contest.

This is Philadelphia's 2nd ejection of 2022, T-1st in the NL East (MIA, PHI, WAS 2; ATL, NYM 1).

This is Joe Girardi's 1st ejection since Sept 17, 2021 (Carlos Torres; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is Luis Torrens' first career MLB ejection.

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since July 20, 2021 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Doug Eddings' 1st ejection since Sept 20, 2021 (Dave Martinez; QOC = Y-c [RLI]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Seattle Mariners, 5/10/22 | Video as follows:

Ask UEFL - Bona Fide Slide DP Ends Rockies-Rangers

Tmac fields your Ask the UEFL questions regarding a bona fide slide rule interference play that wound up ending last week's Rockies-Rangers game in Texas, with HP Umpire Bill Miller signaling the Replay Review-decided double play much to the chagrin of Rangers manager Chris Woodward, whose team just lost to Colorado.

Play: With one out and one on (R1), Rangers batter Adolis Garcia hit a ground ball from Rockies pitcher Ashton Goudeau on the ground to third baseman Ryan McMahon, who threw to second baseman Brendan Rodgers as Rangers baserunner R1 Mitch Garver slid into second base, before Rodgers then threw wildly to first baseman CJ Cron.

Original Ruling: 2B Umpire Brian Knight initially ruled Garver out on the force play, but did not make an on-field slide rule interference call.

Challenge & Review: Instead, Rockies manager Bud Black elected to file a manager's challenge for slide rule interference, alleging that Garver, in sliding into and making contact with middle infielder Rodgers, failed to engage in a bona fide slide and thus should be called for interference (rendering the batter-runner Garcia out as well).

Rule: Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j) describes bona fide slide criteria, specifying four main requirements:

1) Runner begins his slide and makes contact with the ground before reaching the base;

2) He is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;

3) He is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home) after completing the slide; and

4) He slides within reach without changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.

Related Post: MLB Adds Impediment to Bona Fide Slide Rule Interp (5/18/16).

Related Label: Bona Fide Slide

If the runner fails to satisfy even one of those four requirements, and in doing so impedes the defense from completing a potential play, the umpire shall declare the ball dead and rule interference for an illegal (non-bona fide) slide.

Result: Because Colorado was unable to complete its attempted double play as a result of R1 Garver's illegal slide, the Replay Official ruled BR Garcia out for the interfering actions of his teammate, resulting in a game-ending double play.

Video as follows:

Kenley Jansen Denied Late Warmup Pitches Due to Clock

MLB's pace of play rules generated a disagreement in San Diego as HP Umpire Bill Miller denied Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kenley Jansen's attempt to throw extra warmup pitches after the mid-inning timing clock expired ahead of the bottom of the 9th inning at Petco Park.

Play: At the conclusion of the top of the 9th inning, with Atlanta leading San Diego 5-2, Braves manager Brian Snitker substituted pitcher Jansen into the game to close, and Jansen began his journey to the pitcher's mound from Atlanta's bullpen beyond the center field wall. Jansen eventually arrived at the mound and began throwing warmup pitches, completing two or three tosses before HP Umpire Miller called for the final warmup pitch and, after it had been thrown, motioned for due-up batter Manny Machado to approach home plate.

Call to Deny: Despite Jansen's attempt to continue warming up, Miller disallowed future practice pitches, generating an argument from Jansen and visit from Snitker.

The Rule: Major League Baseball's pace of play initiatives regarding between-inning and pitching change timing were instituted in 2015, with timing clocks installed in all stadiums throughout the league: the introductory time limits for between-inning and pitching change breaks were 2 minutes and 5 seconds for local broadcasts (2:25 for nationally televised games) beginning in 2016, eventually lowering both times to two-minutes, flat, in 2019.

According to this rule, pitchers can throw as many or as few pitches as they like in their allotted time, but shall not be entitled to additional pitches if time expires, even if they only threw one or two warmups prior to that expiration of time (e.g., no guarantee or minimum of warmup throws). The timing protocol is as follows:

> At 25 seconds remaining on the clock, the umpire shall signal for the final warmup pitch.

> By 20 seconds, the pitcher shall throw the final warmup toss.

> At 20 seconds, the public address announcer shall announce the lead-off batter.

> At 5 seconds, the pitcher shall begin a windup to the batter, who must be in the box and alert.

Sidebar: San Diego's broadcast referred to an entitlement of eight warmup pitches. Note that this is the old, pre-2016 inning break/pitching change rule. The new rule is fully time clock-based.

Procedure: The between-inning timer starts when the final out is recorded or finalized by Replay Review (whichever is later), or, if there is an extended inning break (e.g., Stand Up to Cancer, playing of God Bless America, etc.), the timer begins at the conclusion of the special event.

The pitching change clock begins when the relief pitcher crosses the warning track en route to the mound, or, in the case of on-field bullpens, crosses the foul line.

What Happened: As evidenced by Padres public address announcer Alex Miniak's "now batting Manny Machado" announcement, Jansen threw his final warmup pitch with 20- or fewer seconds remaining on the timing clock. Thus, by convention, HP Umpire Miller was obliged to prevent Jansen from throwing additional warmup pitches because his time to do so had expired, pursuant to MLB's pace of play initiatives that have become a point of emphasis under Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 102 - Bill Miller (3; Joe Maddon)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Angels manager Joe Maddon (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Angels-#Athletics game. With none out and none on, Angels batter Jared Walsh grounded out, Max Stassi grounded out, Brandon Marsh singled, Taylor Ward walked, and Phil Gosselin grounded out. Replays indicate of the 13 callable pitches during the top of the 8th, Miller officiated 12 properly; the one inaccuracy was a called first strike to Stassi (12/13 = 92.3% accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Athletic were leading, 6-0. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 6-0. 

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Bill Miller now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 6 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 1 QOCY = 6).

This is the 102nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 50th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Los Angeles' 3rd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 4; HOU, LAA 3; SEA, TEX 2).

This is Joe Maddon's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 8 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

This is Bill Miller's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 6 (Carlos Mendoza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Can't Win Here vs. Oakland Athletics, 7/20/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 070-71 - Gabe Morales & Bill Miller (NYY x2)

HP Umpire Gabe Morales ejected Yankees 3B Coach Phil Nevin (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 9th and 2B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza (ball four call; QOCY) in the top of the 10th inning of the #RedSox-#Yankees game. In the 9th, with two out and two on (R1, R2), Yankees batter Rougned Odor took a 3-2 knuckle curve from Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -1.21, pz 2.82), the call was incorrect.* In the 10th, with none out and one on (R2), Red Sox batter Bobby Dalbec took a 3-2 fastball from Yankees pitcher Luis Cessa for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.52, pz 1.41 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51 / MOE 1.42]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.^ At the time of both ejections, the game was tied, 4-4. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings.

This is Gabe Morales (47)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Gabe Morales now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).

Bill Miller now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 3).

Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 QOCN + 1 QOCY = 3).

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

*The Odor pitch was located 3.55 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

^The Dalbec pitch was located 2.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 70th and 71st ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is New York's 4/5th ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL East (NYY 5; BOS 2; BAL, TOR 1; TB 0).

This is Phil Nevin's 1st ejection since August 5, 2020 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Carlos Mendoza's first career MLB ejection.

This is Gabe Morales' 1st ejection since September 4, 2020 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Bill Miller's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 12 (Clint Frazier; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, 6/6/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 037 - Bill Miller (1; Clint Frazier)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Yankees LF Clint Frazier (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Yankees-#Rays game. With one out and none on, Frazier took a 3-2 cutter from Rays pitcher Ryan Yarbrough for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.65, pz 3.12 [sz_top 3.41 / RAD 3.53]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were officiated properly, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Bill Miller now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

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

*This pitch was located 3.17 horizontal and 5.88 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 37th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 14th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Frazier was 0-2 in the contest.

This is New York's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL East (NYY 2; BAL, BOS 1; TB, TOR 0).

This is Clint Frazier's first career MLB ejection.

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2020 (Brian Butterfield; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 5/12/21 | Video as follows:

Gimenez Puts Out Eaton - Tmac & Gil Debate

White Sox batter-runner Adam Eaton pushed Indians shortstop Andres Gimenez after 2B Umpire Bill Miller called Eaton out on a tag play, alleging that Gimenez illegally forced him off of second base to create the out. In our debate, Gil says safe & tmac says out. What's the rule?

Play: With one on and none out, White Sox batter Adam Eaton hit a ground ball to Indians right fielder Josh Naylor, who threw to third baseman Jose Ramirez as Tim Anderson slid into third base and back to shortstop Andres Gimenez as Eaton slid into second base, ruled out by 2B Umpire Bill Miller.

Rule: As a reference point, we consider the Official Baseball Rules' definition for overslide/oversliding ("the act of an offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base") and the MLB Umpire Manual's approved interpretation: "If in the judgment of an umpire, a runner is pushed or forced off a base by a fielder, intentionally or unintentionally, at which the runner would have otherwise been called safe, the umpire has the authority and discretion under the circumstances to return the runner to the base he was forced off following the conclusion of the play."

Considerations & History: As we reviewed during the 2020 World Series when Dodgers batter-runner Max Muncy slid into second base and Rays shortstop Willy Adames, several questions help toward solving this puzzle: Did the runner have body control that would have enabled him to undoubtedly remain on the base if not for the fielder's actions? Did the runner push the fielder off-balance first or did the fielder on his own volition push or force the runner from the base? Perhaps the most famous instance of this type of play was Kent Hrbek lifting Ron Gant's foot off of first base during the 1991 World Series.

Related Post: Was Max Muncy's Fall From 2nd Base a Legal Out? (10/24/20).

Remember, the MLBUM interpretation states the fielder's actions may be either intentional or unintentional, but the underlying question is whether the fielder's actions were caused by the runner or not. If so, we might have incidental contact, but if not, we might have a situation where this interp could apply.

Finally, as this play concluded with a benches-clearing incident, we consider Eaton's post-play shove of Gimenez. Could further disruption to the game have been prevented by the umpire getting in between the players or is the "new normal" to let players have at it and sort out the trouble afterward? With replays clearly indicating Eaton continuing to argue with Miller during the unsportsmanlike event, could Miller's refraining from entering the fray have saved an escalation between Eaton and Miller?

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]).

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since September 6, 2019 (Charlie Montoyo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels vs. San Diego Padres, 9/23/20 | Video as follows: