Reds-Cubs Batter Interference - Benefit of Doubt to Defense

After HP Umpire Lew Williams ruled Cubs baserunner R1 Alfonso Rivas out for teammate and retired batter Nelson Velazquez's interference at home plate by stepping out of the batter's box and hindering Reds catcher Austin Romine's throw to second base, we were asked to review the batter interference rule.

An important distinction to note is that the Official Baseball Rules contain two potentially relevant provisions—one which applies to a batter who has not been retired or become a runner, and another which applies to a batter or runner who has been retired and nonetheless impedes a fielder attempting to play on a teammate.

OBR 6.03(a)(3) pertains to a still-active batter (e.g., batter has not struck out): "A batter is out for illegal action when—they interfere with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

OBR 6.01(a)(5) pertains to a batter or runner who has been put out (including a batter that just struck out): "Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of their teammate."

Thus, with Velazquez swinging and missing at a 3-2 pitch, we have a recently retired batter.

Because Velazquez seemed to step in front of Cincinnati catcher Romine after swinging and missing for a strikeout, the benefit of the doubt goes to the defense. Thus, it is logical to conclude that Velazquez, by stumbling to his right and in front of catcher Romine's left side, hindered or impeded Romine by causing the catcher to adjust by veering or throwing to his right more than he otherwise would have had Velazquez not stepped onto home plate. Because the throw was wild and to the right of its intended destination as well, we can conclude that interference—which does NOT require contact—likely occurred.

Video as follows:

El Paso Coach Ejected After Team Refuses to Play

HP Umpire Lew Williams ejected Chihuahuas 3B coach Oscar Salazar while enforcing baseball's pace of play batter's box rule as El Paso unsuccessfully tried to delay a game from becoming official in the top of the 5th inning and Albuquerque leading, 3-0.

With none out and one on (R2), El Paso batter Taylor Kohlwey refused to take his position in the batter's box, with broadcasters speculating that manager Edwin Rodriguez had ordered Kohlwey away from home plate.

Notably, while speculation reigned that Rodriguez's argument pertained to lightning in the area and potentially not wanting to place a batter onto the open field, it bears mention that El Paso baserunner R2 Matt Batten remained on second base and both base coaches remained in their positions during this peculiar standoff near home plate.

Regardless, as Official Baseball Rule 4.03(e) states, "the umpires are in charge of the playing field and from [the moment lineups are exchanged] the umpire-in-chief shall have sole authority to determine when a game shall be called, suspended, or resumed on account of weather."

Williams, having consulted with Triple-A West crewmates Justin Robinson and Clayton Hamm, and having determined the game shall proceed, then turned to OBR 5.04(b)(3) regarding a batter's refusal to occupy the batter's box and called automatic strikes, three of which turned into an automatic out.

After Williams possibly reminded or warned of OBR 7.03(a)(2) and (3) which allow umpires to forfeit a game if a team refuses to continue play or "employs tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the game," manager Rodriguez sent ensuing batter Ivan Castillo to the plate to resume play with an out charged to the team due to Kohlwey's repeated refusal to enter the box.

3B coach Salazar continued to argue and was summarily dismissed, with El Paso going on to score three runs in the frame before the now-tied game was officially suspended due to weather.

Wrap: El Paso Chihuahuas vs. Albuquerque Isotopes, 7/6/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Debut of Umpire Lewis "Lew" Williams III

Umpire Lewis "Lew" Williams III made his MLB debut during Sunday's Rangers-Giants game, taking the place of injured ump Jim Wolf, who suffered a head injury on Saturday. Williams joined chief Jim Reynold's crew, alongside Lance Barrett and John Libka.

Williams began his Minor League career in 2011 after graduating from the Wendelstedt School, officiating his way through the Arizona, Northwest, South Atlantic, California, and Southern Leagues, before his current stop in Triple-A's Pacific Coast League.

Williams, who is serving on an umpiring "taxi squad" in the west division, is the fourth new umpire to make an MLB debut during the 2020 regular season.

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Jeremy Riggs (7/28/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Jose Navas (7/24/20)

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Edwin Moscoso (7/23/20).

Wolf is sitting out after reportedly enduring a concussion during his collision with Giants catcher Tyler Heineman, who upon arriving at the ballpark on Sunday and learning of Wolf's absence, tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers go out to you Jim Wolf. I’m very sorry and I hope you recover fast."

Related Post: Down But Not Out - Jim Wolf Sticks with Play & Makes Safe Call After Being Knocked to Ground (Injury) (8/2/20).