MLB Ejection 031 - Brennan Miller (1; Aaron Boone)

2B Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (out/catch call by 3B Umpire Ben May; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #BlueJays-#Yankees game. With two out and one on, Yankees batter Jazz Chisholm hit a 1-1 sweeper from Blue Jays pitcher Mason Fluharty on a line drive to center fielder Daulton Varsho, who dove in an attempt to catch the batted ball, ruled an out by 3B Umpire May. Replays indicate the fielder appeared to control the ball in his glove, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 5-3. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

*Boone previously lost his challenge on a stolen base attempt out/safe call by 2B Umpire Miller, ruled out and upheld (Call Stands) upon Boone's manager's challenge.

This is the 31st ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 19th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 19 Managers, 4 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is New York's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st in the AL East (NYY 3; BAL 2; BOS, TB, TOR 1).

This is Aaron Boone's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since April 16 (Will Little; QOC = Y [Balk]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since September 1, 2025 (Xavier Edwards; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees, 5/19/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 144 - Brennan Miller (3; Xavier Edwards)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Marlins 2B Xavier Edwards (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Marlins-#Nationals game. With none out and none on, Marlins batter Edwards took a 1-1 slider from Nationals pitcher Andrew Alvarez for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.07, pz 3.33 [sz_top 3.29 / RAD 3.41]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 3rd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 1.92 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 144th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 44th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 76 Managers, 24 Coaches, 44 Players.

This is Miami's 4th ejection of 2025, 2nd in the NL East (WAS 7; MIA 4; PHI, NYM 3; ATL 2).

This is Xavier Edwards' 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since June 6 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = N [RLI]).

This is Brennan Miller's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since July 13 (Oliver Marmo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals, 9/1/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 099 - Brennan Miller (2; Oliver Marmol)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (ball three call to Jurickson Profar; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Braves-#Cardinals game. With none out and one on, Braves batter Profar took a 2-2 slider from Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley for a called third ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px -0.41, pz 3.47 [sz_top 3.34 / RAD 3.46]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 5-4. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

  

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 1.02 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 99th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 54th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 54 Managers, 15 Coaches, 30 Players.

This is St Louis' 4th ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (CHC 6; PIT, STL 4; CIN 3; MIL 2).

This is Oliver Marmol's 4th ejection of 2025, 1st since May 23 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brennan Miller's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since March 31 (Rickie Weeks; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Box: Atlanta Braves vs St Louis Cardinals, 7/13/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 001 - Brennan Miller (1; Rickie Weeks)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks (ball one call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#Brewers game. With none out and one on, Royals batter Hunter Renfroe took a 0-2 slider from Brewers pitcher Elvis Peguero for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.82, pz 1.64 [sz_bot 1.65 / RAD 1.53]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 5-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 11-1.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

This is the 1st ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 1st coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 0 Managers, 1 Coach, 0 Players.

This is Milwaukee's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 1; CHC, CIN, PIT, STL 0).

This is Rickie Weeks' 1st ejection since July 4, 2010 (John Hirschbeck; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 17, 2024 (Jose Altuve; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Milwaukee Brewers, 3/31/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 175-6 - Conroy, Miller (HOU x2)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Astros 2B Jose Altuve and 1B Umpire Chris Conroy ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (fair ball call; QOCN) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Astros-#Padres game. With two out and one on, Astros batter Altuve hit a 1-1 sinker from Padres pitcher Robert Suarez on the ground to third baseman Manny Machado to first baseman Donovan Solano, ruled a fair ball by HP Umpire Miller. Replays indicate that after contacting Altuve's bat, the batted ball touched Altuve's foot before bounding into fair territory, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is Chris Conroy (98)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 102 - James Jean (1; Jose Altuve) (6/30/24).

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(7): "If the batter is in a legal position in the batter’s box, see Rule 5.04(b)(5), and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, a batted ball that strikes the batter or their bat shall be ruled a foul ball."

Fair/Foul in the Infield is not presently a reviewable play.

These are the 175th and 176th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 87th manager ejection of 2024.

This is the 59th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 87 Managers, 29 Coaches, 59 Players.

This is Houston's 12/13th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 13; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Jose Altuve's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 30 (James Jean; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

This is Joe Espada's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since Sept 5 (Brian O'Nora; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

This is Brennan Miller's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 1 (Pat Murphy; QOC = Y-c [Base Path]).

This is Chris Conroy's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 21 (Bob Melvin; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres, 9/17/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 103 - Brennan Miller (3; Pat Murphy)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Brewers manager Pat Murphy (out of the base path call by 1B Umpire Brian O'Nora; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Brewers-#Rockies game. With one out and none on, Brewers batter Joey Ortiz bunted a first-pitch fastball from Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber to Gomber, who lunged and attempted to tag batter-runner Ortiz as he avoided the tag en route to first base, ruled out of the base path by 1B Umpire O'Nora. Replays indicate batter-runner Ortiz ran more than three feet away from his base path to avoid the tag, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 8-7, in 10 innings.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(1): "Any runner is out when they run more than three feet away from their base path to avoid being tagged unless their action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base they are attempting to reach safely."

This is the 103rd ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 52nd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 52 Managers, 14 Coaches, 37 Players.

This is Milwaukee's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 5; CHC, PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).

This is Pat Murphy's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 30 (Chris Guccione; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Brennan Miller's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 31 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs Colorado Rockies, 7/1/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 064 - Brennan Miller (2; Craig Counsell)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cubs manager Craig Counsell (foul ball call confirmed via Replay Review; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Reds-#Cubs game. With none out and two on, Cubs batter Nick Madrigal attempted to take a 1-1 fastball from Reds pitcher Alexis Díaz for a called foul ball, as HP Umpire Miller ruled the pitched ball first struck Madrigal's bat. Before challenging the call, Counsell began arguing Miller's call and was ejected for continuing to argue during the Replay Review, which confirmed Miller's foul ball call (knob of bat), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 5-3. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is the 64th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 28th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 28 Managers, 10 Coaches, 26 Players.

This is Chicago's 3rd ejection of 2024, 2nd in the NL Central (MIL, PIT, STL 4; CHC 3; CIN 1).

This is Craig Counsell's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 13 (Junior Valentine; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Brennan Miller's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 6 (David Popkins; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs, 5/31/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 005 - Brennan Miller (1; David Popkins)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Twins hitting coach David Popkins (strike two and three calls to Matt Wallner; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Guardians-#Twins game. With two out and none on, Twins batter Matt Wallner took a 3-1 slider and 3-2 sinker from Guardians pitcher Nick Sandlin for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 3-1 pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.71, pz 1.53 [sz_bot 1.87 / RAD 1.75 / MOE 1.67]) while 3-2 was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.80, pz 1.68 [sz_bot 1.87, RAD 1.75 / MOE 1.67]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Guardians were leading, 3-1. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

Meanwhile, in Anaheim, HP Umpire Alex Tosi was nearly perfect, calling 173 of 174 taken pitches in accordance with the computer. The one disputed pitch was located within our margin of error.

This is the 5th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 1st coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 1 Manager, 1 Coach, 3 Players.

This is Minnesota's 1st ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL Central (MIN 1; CLE, CWS, DET, KC 0).

This is David Popkins' 1st ejection since August 24, 2023 (Cory Blaser; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 9, 2023 (Alejo Lopez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cleveland Guardians vs Minnesota Twins, 4/6/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 222-3 - Brennan Miller (7-8; CIN x2)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Reds manager David Bell (strike one to Tyler Stephenson; QOCN) and Reds 2B Alejo Lopez (strikes one and three calls; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. With none out and none on, Stephenson took a 2-0 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Zack Thompson for a called first strike before flying out. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.04, pz 3.60 [sz_bot 3.25 / RAD 3.37 / MOE 3.45]), the call was incorrect.^ Ensuing batter Lopez took a 1-0 cutter and 1-2 curveball from Thompson for called first and third strikes. Replays indicate the pitch ruled strike one was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.26, pz 3.26 [sz_top 2.92 / RAD 3.04 / MOE 3.12]) and the pitch ruled strike three was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.34, pz 3.33 [sz_top 2.92 / RAD 3.04 / MOE 3.12]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 4-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

These are Brennan Miller (55)'s 7th and 8th ejections of 2023.

^Strike 1 to Stephenson was located 1.80 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

*Strike 2 was located 1.68 and Strike 3 was located 2.52 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 222nd and 223rd ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 90th player ejection of 2023. This is the 101st manager ejection of 2023.

Ejection Tally: 101 Managers, 90 Players, 32 Coaches.

This is Cincinnati's 8/9th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL Central (STL 14; PIT 10; CIN 9; CHC, MIL 8).

This is Alejo Lopez's first career MLB ejection.

This is David Bell's 7th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 3 (Derek Thomas; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brennan Miller's 7/8th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 22 (Jordan Walker; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds, 9/9/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 204-6 - Brennan Miller (4-6; STL x3)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras and manager Oliver Marmol (strike two call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th and Jordan Walker (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Pirates game. In the 7th, with two out and the bases loaded, Contreras took a 1-1 sinker from Pirates pitcher Colin Holderman for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.66, pz 1.22 [sz_bot 1.56 / RAD 1.44 / MOE 1.36]), the call was incorrect. At the time of Contreras and Marmol's ejections, the Pirates were leading, 6-3. In the 8th, with two out and none on, Walker took a 1-2 sinker from Holderman for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.63, pz 1.71 [sz_bot 1.67 / RAD 1.55]), the call was correct.* At the time of Walker's ejection, the Pirates were leading, 6-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

These are Brennan Miller (55)'s 4th, 5th, and 6th ejections of 2023.

*The Contrereas pitch was located 1.68 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

The Walker pitch was located 2.88 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 204th, 205th, and 206th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

These are the 82nd and 83rd player ejections of 2023.

This is the 94th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 94 Managers, 83 Players, 29 Coaches.

This is St Louis' 11-13th ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL Central (STL 13; PIT 10; CHC, MIL 8; CIN 7).

This is Willson Contreras' 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 23 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Oliver Marmol's 6th ejection of 2023, 1st since July 27 (Will Little; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

This is Jordan Walker's first career MLB ejection.

This is Brennan Miller's 4-6th ejection of 2023, 1st since July 7 (Nick Pratto; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 8/22/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 139 - Brennan Miller (3; Nick Pratto)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Royals 1B Nick Pratto (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#Guardians game. With one out and none on, Pratto took a 2-2 cutter from Guardians pitcher Aaron Civale for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.86, pz 2.88), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Guardians were leading, 3-0. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s

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

This pitch was located 0.65 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 139th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 56th player ejection of 2023. Ejections: 66 Managers, 56 Players, 17 Coaches.

This is Kansas City's 3rd ejection of 2023, 3rd in the AL Central (MIN 8; CWS 7; KC 3; DET 2; CLE 0).

This is Nick Pratto's first career MLB ejection.

This is Brennan Miller's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 27 (Jim Hickey; QOC = Y [Pitch Clock]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians, 6/7/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 120 - Brennan Miller (2; Jim Hickey)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Nationals pitching coach Jim Hickey (automatic ball four/Scherzer Rule violation call on Nationals pitcher Jordan Weems; QOCY) in the bottom of the 10th inning of the #Nationals-#Mariners game. With none out and none on, following an intentional walk (no pitches thrown) to Mariners batter JP Crawford and prior to ensuing Mariners batter Julio Rodriguez's 1-0 pitch, Miller warned Weems for coming set before Rodriguez was in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher (Scherzer Rule), awarding an automatic ball on a 3-0 count when Weems committed a second violation of this rule, resulting in a walk to Rodriguez. Replays indicate Weems started coming set prior to Rodriguez being alert (look at) the pitcher, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*Under MLB's new-for-2023 pitch clock rules, the batter must be in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher by the eight-second mark on the timer (penalty for batter violation: automatic strike). If the pitcher motions to come set before the batter is in the box and alert (in Set Position, does not apply to Windup Position), the penalty for the first infraction of this "Scherzer Rule" is a warning, only. Any subsequent violation, however, shall result in an automatic ball being added to the count.

This is the 120th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 13th coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 58 Managers, 49 Players, 13 Coaches.

This is Washington's 2nd ejection of 2023, 4th in the NL East (MIA, PHI 7; NYM 5; WAS 2; ATL 1).

This is Jim Hickey's 1st ejection since May 8, 2014 (Marty Foster; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Brennan Miller's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 17 (Ramon Laureano; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Seattle Mariners, 6/27/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 105 - Brennan Miller (1; Ramon Laureano)

3B Umpire Brennan Miller ejected A's RF Ramon Laureano (check swing HBP & strike three call by HP Umpire Jordan Baker; QOCY) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Phillies-#Athletics game. With one out and none on, Laureano took a 1-2 sinker from Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and belt-high (px -0.74, pz 2.39), the call was correct.* Ensuing batter Ryan Noda then attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 sinker from Sanchez, ruled a HBP by HP Umpire Baker and called a swinging strike (dead ball) on appeal by 3B Umpire Miller. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 12 innings.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

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

This pitch was located 2.11 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 105th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 44th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 50 Managers, 44 Players, 11 Coaches.

This is Oakland's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL West (OAK 5; LAA, SEA, TEX 4; HOU 1).

This is Ramon Laureano's 1st ejection since June 11, 2022 (Paul Emmel; QOC = Y [Balk No-Call]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 27, 2022 (Miguel Cairo; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs Oakland Athletics, 6/17/23 | Video as follows:

Cleveland Scores Game-Winning Run on Runner's Lane Interference No-Call

Before Cleveland secured a 6-5 win over Seattle in extra innings on Sunday, the Guardians scored the eventual winning run on a throwing error and runner's lane interference no-call by HP Umpire Brennan Miller. Was this the correct ruling?

With one out and the bases loaded in the top of the 10th inning of a tied game, Guardians batter Josh Naylor hit a ground ball to Mariners pitcher Gabe Speier, who threw to catcher Cal Raleigh to retire Guardians R3 Steven Kwan. Raleigh then turned to throw to first baseman Ty France, but his throw bounced on the dirt in front of the base, and France was unable to field it, resulting in a throwing error that allowed Guardians runner R2 Jose Ramirez—hustling from second base—to score the eventual winning run.

Replays clearly indicate that batter-runner Naylor failed to run within the 45-foot runner's lane on his way to first base, but does that mean HP Umpire Miller should have called him out for runner's lane interference, which would have resulted in an inning-ending double play?

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11) puts the batter out for runner's lane interference if the following occurs: "A batter is out when, in running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, they run outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interfere with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead." (an exception allows a runner who has been legally within the lane the allotment to exit the lane by a stride within the immediate vicinity of first base).

In addition to the simple question of batter-runner Naylor's positioning (inside the foul line), OBR 5.09(a)(11) requires the batter-runner's position inside or outside the line to interfere with the fielder taking the throw, whom in the case was first baseman France. Whether or not Naylor's running interfered with catcher Raleigh's throw is irrelevant: it only matters whether or not Naylor's running inside the line interfered with France taking the throw, and in order for that to be the case, the throw must have had a chance of reasonably retiring the runner had the runner not been inside (or outside) the line.

As Miller—who was in perfect position to see the play on first baseline extended—ruled that the throw would not have reasonably retired the runner, Naylor was not declared out for RLI.

Video as follows:

Pitch Clock Curiosity as Catcher Called for Violation for Slow Reaction Time

When asked about a pitch clock violation that resulted in ball four and a walk during Toronto's game against Philadelphia, Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah reported that HP Umpire Brennan Miller called the auto-ball because catcher Alejandro Kirk "didn't react quick enough" after requesting time with the pitch clock nearly at zero.

The newest wrinkle into MLB's pitch clock rule appears to penalize the defense if the catcher doesn't actually venture out to see the pitcher prior to the expiration of time...with some exceptions: Said Manoah, "I was told that Kirk didn't react quick enough coming out to see me. The umpire's arm band buzzed or whatever so it was a ball. I've never heard of that before"

If the pitch clock rules require a catcher to actually leave their catcher's box en route to the mound prior to the expiration of time lest it be deemed an automatic ball, that would be news to us too.

Instead, the likely explanation here involves not just the catcher's lack of urgency, but the game situation as well. Had there been runner(s) on base, the pitcher's disengagement (one of two legal penalty-free disengagements per at-bat [resets if a base runner advances]) would have on its own caused a full reset of the pitch clock.

But because the bases were empty, the pitcher stepping off doesn't actually affect the clock and the catcher's remaining in the crouch behind home plate as the clock expired—even though "Time" was requested and granted by HP Umpire Miller—resulted in a pitch clock violation call as the clock continued to run. Going forward, would you like to see this situation result in a reset, as it does with baserunners?

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 172 - Brennan Miller (1; Miguel Cairo)

3B Umpire Brennan Miller ejected White Sox interim manager Miguel Cairo (ball one call by HP Umpire Jansen Visconti/check swing; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Twins game. With none out and one on, Twins batter Matt Wallner attempted to check his swing on a 0-0 cutter from White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Jansen Visconti and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Miller. Cairo was ejected during a mound visit/pitching change two pitches later, following a Wallner home run. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.56, pz 3.57 [sz_top 3.68 / RAD 3.80 / MOE 3.72]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 4-0. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

*This pitch was located 1.80 vertical inches from being ruled correct.

^Because pitch/location called a ball is QOCN, the check swing ball call is immaterial.

This is the 172nd ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 92nd manager ejection of 2022.

This is Chicago's 7th ejection of 2022, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 7; CLE 5; DET, KC, MIN 4).

This is Miguel Cairo's 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since Sept 2 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = U [Warnings/Fight]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since April 29, 2021 (Mike Schildt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs Minnesota Twins, 9/27/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 022 - Brennan Miller (1; Mike Schildt)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt (strike one after HBP warnings no-call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Phillies-#Cardinals game. With two out and none on, Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado took a first-pitch fastball from Phillies pitcher Hector Neris for a hit-by-pitch, the first hit batsman of the game, resulting in a crew consultation with no warnings/ejection issued. Ensuing batter Tyler O'Neill then took a first-pitch splitter from Nerris for a called first strike upon which Shildt was ejected. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.27, pz 1.52 [sz_bot 1.51 / RAD 1.39]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings. 

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Brennan Miller now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief James Hoye now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

*This pitch was located 2.60 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

Related Post: MLB Ejection 021 - Chris Segal (1; Joe Girardi) (4/28/21).

This is the 22nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 14th manager ejection of 2021.

This is St. Louis' 1st ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC 2; MIL, STL 1; PIT 0).

This is Mike Shildt's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/29/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 57 - Brennan Miller (1; Brandon Hyde)

1B Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde (check swing ball three call) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Braves-#Orioles game. With two out and one on, Braves batter Ronald Acuna attempted to check his swing on a 2-1 slider from Orioles pitcher Paul Fry, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Ryan Additon and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Miller. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (8-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 2-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s first ejection of 2020.
Brennan Miller now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).

This is the 57th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th Manager ejection of 2020.

This is the Orioles' 2nd ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the AL East (NYY, TOR 4; BAL, TB 2; BOS 0).

This is Brandon Hyde's 1st ejection since Sept 3, 2019 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since July 18, 2019 (Aaron Boone; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Baltimore Orioles, 9/15/20 | Video as follows:

Triple-A Tradition? Young Umps Run for Charity

The 2019-2020 offseason may have established a new @UmpsCare tradition and possible fitness test for young umpires climbing the MiLB-to-MLB ladder as Nic Lentz, Brennan Miller, Erich Bacchus, and Chris Segal all ran half-marathons for charity over the winter months.

Bacchus, Lentz, and Miller each ran the Holly Springs Half Marathon in North Carolina in November while Segal took to the Colonial Half Marathon course (Williamsburg, Virginia) in February.

The professional umpires, all of whom will call MLB Spring Training games in 2020, ran to fundraise for UMPS CARE Charities under the heading "UMPS CARE Run for Bears," so-named for the charity's in-season Build-A-Bear Workshop experience for children.

In addition to helping to finance Umps Care's in-season programs such as Build-A-Bear, Blue for Kids hospital visits, and on-field events such as Blue Crew Tickets, the young umps coincidentally proved their physical fitness to baseball observers.

A traditional half-marathon is 13.1 miles (21 kilometers) in length.

2019 UEFL Award for Ejections of Year - Cuzzi & Miller

Phil Cuzzi and Brennan Miller had 2019's Best Ejections of the Year [2018: Joe West & Nic Lentz].

The two umpires' ejected a month apart, but as New York Yankees Manager Aaron Boone and OF Brett Gardner appeared to target minor league call-up plate umpires, the two ejections were every bit related.

Each of New York's seven post-All Star Break ejections in 2019 occurred with a Triple-A call-up behind the dish, pertained to ball/strike calls, and Brett Gardner's three most recent ejections were courtesy of Triple-A call-up umpire Jeremie Rehak (9/9/18), Triple-A call-up umpire Chris Segal (8/9/19), and full-timer Cuzzi (8/17/19).

Voting Results (Top 3): 162 Cuzzi (28.8%), 123 Miller (22.7%), P1 Sam Holbrook (21.2%).

Because MLB Ejections 162 Cuzzi (Brett Gardner) and 123 Miller (Aaron Boone) go rather hand-in-hand, perhaps it is best to discuss them chronologically, even though Cuzzi's ejection garnered more votes.

Call-up umpire Brennan Miller ejects Boone.

On July 18, 2019, Brennan Miller ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone following a balls/strikes disagreement that extended through multiple batters.

It all started with a strike three call to batter Brett Gardner, who returned to the dugout and indicated his disproval by yelling and slamming the dugout's bat rack and ceiling with his bat. While Gardner was busy studying the finer points of carpentry, Boone chirped umpire Miller, which continued through a strike one call to subsequent batter DJ LeMahieu.
Related Post: MLB Ejection 123 - Brennan Miller (1; Aaron Boone) (7/18/19).

Call-up umpire Chris Segal ejects Gardner.

After an ensuing foul ball, Miller ejected Boone for his continued complaining, resulting in the infamous "savages" in the batter's box meltdown. Miller weathered the storm without crew chief Gerry Davis' assistance until Boone had walked away.

The Gardner-Boone sideshow became a story in 2019, and even necessitated a visit from MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre, who publicly backed a different Triple-A call-up umpire's ejection of Gardner after he again banged his bat on the dugout ceiling (Ejection 157 - Chris Segal).

It soon became quite apparent that Boone and Gardner were specifically effecting their respective unsportsmanlike behaviors when a minor league umpire was officiating behind home plate, and the New York tandem's act was making its rounds throughout baseball with a quick pitstop in Toronto.
Related Post: Joe Torre Backs Ump Segal in Gardner Ejection (8/13/19).
Related Post: What We Learned from Segal, Gardner, and Torre (8/14/19).

Triple-A Call-Up Umpires Have No Rights: The MiLB fill-in umpires knew that at the call-up stage of their career, they could ill afford the spectacle of simply standing up for themselves and would need help from an umpire with more clout in order to go beyond a 'standard' ejection.

Full-timer Cuzzi ejects Gardner & Sabathia.

Enter 1B Umpire Phil Cuzzi, who on August 17, witnessed HP Umpire Ben May's ejection of Boone after a strike call to Cameron Maybin. When Gardner started up his bat-banging routine again—again, with a minor leaguer calling balls and strikes—Cuzzi shut it down immediately by ejecting Gardner.

When CC Sabathia—a player on the injured list—argued, Cuzzi tossed him out, too. Leaving zero room for misunderstanding, Cuzzi gestured very clearly that Gardner had been ejected for taking his bat to the dugout canopy, and in doing so, thus protected his crew mate and call-up umpire May.
Related Post: MLB Ejections 161-163 - May, Cuzzi (NYY) (8/17/19).

Perhaps an honorable mention in this year's ejection award, given the Yankees' multi-month tantrum, goes to Joe West, who on September 21, ejected Aaron Boone in the very first inning in the Bronx after strike calls and an ejection from HP Umpire Jeremie Rehak—another call-up—who had ejected Hitting Coach Marcus Thames.
Related Post: MLB Ejections 213-14 - Jeremie Rehak, Joe West (NYY) (9/21/19).

Angel Campos never did make the MLB staff.

In conclusion, this is the rare Ejections of the Year Award that, although awarded to separate umpires in separate games, very much relates to the same storyline.

Miller wins it for taking care of business and taking the heat while only pausing to inform Boone that his bill had made contact with Miller's cap, and Cuzzi wins it for standing up for a youngster who was somewhat handcuffed in his ability to situation-handle by ejecting more than one person, lest the League mark him down on the situation handling category and sour on him a la Angel Campos.

Phil Cuzzi now has 18 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (17 Previous + 1 Award = 18).
Brennan Miller now has 1 point in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 1 Award = 1).
The final postseason award, (Best) Umpire of the Year, will be released Monday.

Video as follows: