Cubs PCA Argues Uncalled Balk vs Arizona, Was Chicago Right?

As Chicago baserunner R3 Pete Crow-Armstrong danced down the third base line in Arizona, his distraction prompted Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to rush his delivery, with PCA upset at the uncalled balk as umpires determined, after crew consultation, that a balk had not occurred. But was it?

The Play: With two out and a runner on third base, Cubs batter Michael Busch stepped in for a 2-1 pitch from Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez as Chicago baserunner R3 Pete Crow-Armstrong danced down the third base line. Rodriguez was pitching from Windup Position, having declared Windup while standing in a Hybrid stance (footwork indicating Set Position, but opting to pitch from the Windup), giving R3 PCA a little more time for baserunning antics near 3B, which pitcher Rodriguez noticed mid-delivery and rushed his motion home, turning the 2-1 pitch into a pitchout of sorts to catcher James McCann, who exited his box to receive the ball.

Chicago campaigned for a balk, while 3B Umpire Malachi Moore gestured for the crew to convene. After consultation with 1B Umpire Mike Estabrook and 2B Umpire Lance Barrett, HP Umpire and Crew Chief Alfonso Márquez explained via public address microphone that the crew deemed there was no balk, drawing Cubs manager Craig Counsell for an argument.

Was This is a Balk? To determine whether this was a balk, we first narrow down the types of balks this could conceivably qualify as. Pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(1), "if there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching their plate, makes any motion naturally associated with their pitch and fails to make such delivery"; however, pitcher Rodriguez did fire home.

We next investigate the so-called catcher's balk, aka OBR 5.02(a), which states, "the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: Balk."

Upon closer inspection, this is a balk pursuant to OBR 6.02(a)(5): "the pitcher makes an illegal pitch" because of Rule 5.07(a) Comment, which states, "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset their pivot foot in their delivery of the pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it should be treated as an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b)."

Replays indicate Rodriguez in his rushed delivery reset his pivot foot by stepping off the back of the pitcher's plate/rubber entirely, this disengagement (inadvertent or otherwise) making this an illegal pitch. This was a balk that was not called.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 065-6 - Barrett/Moore (PHI Overrun of 2B)

3B Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Phillies infield coach Bobby Dickerson and HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected pitching coach Caleb Cotham (Replay Review decision that confirmed 2B Umpire Mike Estabrook's safe / no abandonment call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Phillies-#Reds game. With one out and two on, Reds batter Sal Stewart hit a 3-2 sinker from Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering on the ground to 3B Alec Bohm, who threw to 2B Bryson Stott, to 1B Bryce Harper, as Reds baserunner R1 Elly De La Cruz arrived at second base, ruled safe by 2B Umpire Estabrook and confirmed via Replay Review as the result of a manager's challenge by Phillies manager Don Mattingly. Replays indicate De La Cruz beat the throw to second base, overran second base, was not tagged, and returned to second base immediately after overrunning it, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 4-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Lance Barrett (94)'s 4th ejection of 2026.

This is Malachi Moore (44)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(2): "Any runner is out when after touching first base, they leave the base path, obviously abandoning their effort to touch the next base."

MLB’s 2015 Change: "If a runner runs through 2B or 3B on a potential force play and is ruled out on the field, they can be called out for abandonment if they are ruled safe on instant replay but do not attempt to hold the base or advance to the next base."

Enforcement: "Call may only be made by the Replay Official when a force out at second or third is overturned."

Time Play: "If a time play occurs with a runner attempting to score from third base, the Replay Official will determine if the runner going home touched home plate before the abandoning runner passed the base (i.e., when their second foot touched the ground beyond the base)."

These are the 64th and 65th ejection reports of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 11/12th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 34 Managers, 12 Coaches, 20 Players.

This is Philadelphia's 3/4th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL East (PHI 4; MIA 3; NYM 2; ATL, WAS 1).

This is Bobby Dickerson's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 30 (Cory Blaser; QOC = Y [Replay]).

This is Caleb Cotham's first career MLB ejection.

This is Lance Barrett's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st since May 30 (Brent Suter; QOC = U [Anthem Standoff]).

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

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds, 7/7/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 115 - Malachi Moore (3; Marcus Thames)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected White Sox hitting coach Marcus Thames (strike one call to Tommy Pham; QOCN) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the #Pirates-#WhiteSox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Pham took a 0-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Luis L Ortiz for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.98, pz 1.44 [sz_bot 1.65 / RAD 1.53 / MOE 1.45]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 1-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Malachi Moore (44)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 0.79 horizontal and 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 115th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 17th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 56 Managers, 17 Coaches, 42 Players.

This is Chicago's 8th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 8; KC, MIN 2; CLE 1; DET 0).

This is Marcus Thames' 1st ejection since August 4, 2023 (Adrian Johnson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Malachi Moore's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 17 (David Bell; QOC = U [Stadium Lights]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago White Sox, 7/13/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 084 - Malachi Moore (2; David Bell)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected Reds manager David Bell (stadium lighting during inning break) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Reds-#Pirates game. After the third out of the top of the 8th, as Reds pitcher Brent Suter warmed up from the mound, the stadium lights at PNC Park flashed as part of an entertainment element. Bell argued the lights should be solid during his pitcher's warmup; by the time Bell spoke with Moore and Crew Chief Bill Miller, the LED light show had ended and the stadium lights were solid, there was no corrective action to take at that point, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 4-1. The pirates ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Malachi Moore (44)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is the 84th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 41st manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 41 Managers, 13 Coaches, 30 Players.

This is Cincinnati's 2nd ejection of 2024, 5th in the NL Central (CHC, MIL, PIT, STL 4; CIN 2).

This is David Bell's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 30 (Cory Blaser; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Malachi Moore's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 1 (Dave Martinez; QOC = Y [HBP/Strike]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/17/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 066 - Malachi Moore (1; Dave Martinez)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected Nationals manager Dave Martinez (check swing dead ball strike three call) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Nationals-#Guardians game. With two out and none on, Nationals batter Jacob Young attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 fastball from Guardians pitcher Ben Lively for a swinging third strike, called by Moore, as the pitch touched the batter's hand.* Although Martinez signaled a "hold" for consideration about whether to challenge the play, the Nationals ran out of time as the 15-second challenge timer expired before Martinez requested a review. Replays indicate the pitched ball touched Young's hand as he struck at the pitch, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Guardians were leading, 2-0. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Malachi Moore (44)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*Official Baseball Rules Definition of a strike states, "A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which touches the batter as they strike at it."

This is the 66th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 29th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 29 Managers, 10 Coaches, 27 Players.

This is Washington's 3rd ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL East (MIA, NYM, WAS 3; PHI 1; ATL 0).

This is Dave Martinez's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 19 (Cory Blaser; QOC = N-c [Obstruction]).

This is Malachi Moore's 1st ejection since July 18, 2023 (Pete Walker; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Cleveland Guardians, 6/1/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 169 - Bruce Dreckman (1; Terry Francona)

HP Umpire Bruce Dreckman ejected Guardians manager Terry Fracona (Replay Review decision that overturned 3B Umpire Malachi Moore's safe call to out; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Guardians game. With none out and none on, Guardians batter Brayan Rocchio hit a 1-1 slider from Guardians pitcher Mike Clevinger on a line drive to right field, fielded by Trayce Thompson who threw to shortstop Tim Anderson as Rocchio slid into second base, ruled safe by 3B Umpire Moore (rotation). Upon Replays Review as the result of a challenge by White Sox manager Pedro Grifol, Moore's call was overturned to out. Replays indicate that batter-runner Rocchio's hand appeared to be forced off the base by fielder Anderson, Moore's safe call was correct (albeit for a different reason) and the decision to overturn to out was technically correct pursuant to current replay regulations, but the outcome of an out call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Bruce Dreckman (1)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is the 169th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 78th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 78 Managers, 70 Players, 21 Coaches.

This is Cleveland's 2nd ejection of 2023, 5th in the AL Central (CWS, MIN 9; DET, KC 3; CLE 2).

This is Terry Francona's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 29 (Todd Tichenor; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

This is Bruce Dreckman's 1st ejection since June 4, 2022 (Oliver Marmol; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Guardians, 8/4/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 152 - Malachi Moore (3; Pete Walker)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (ball two call; QOCN) in the top of the 2nd inning of the #Padres-#BlueJays game. With two out and none on, Padres batter Trent Grisham took a 1-2 sinker from Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah for a called second ball before walking later in the at-bat. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.11, pz 3.43 [sz_top 3.39 / RAD 3.51 / MOE 3.44]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 2-1. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 9-1.

This is Malachi Moore (44)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 152nd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 19th coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 70 Managers, 63 Players, 19 Coaches.

This is Toronto's 3rd ejection of 2023, T-4th in the AL East (NYY 7; BAL 5; BOS 4; TB, TOR 3).

This is Pete Walker's 1st ejection since June 21, 2022 (Doug Eddings (QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Malachi Moore's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 10 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Toronto Blue Jays, 7/18/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 007-8 - Malachi Moore (1-2; BAL x2)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected Orioles CF Cedric Mullins and manager Brandon Hyde (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Athletics-#Orioles game. With one out and none on, Orioles batter Mullins took a 3-2 slider from A's pitcher Zach Jackson for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.35, pz 3.43 [sz_top 3.27 / RAD 3.40 / MOE 3.48]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 4-1. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

These are Malachi Moore (44)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 7th and 8th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 6th player ejection of 2023. Prior to ejection, Mullins was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.

This is the 1st manager ejection of 2023.

This is Baltimore's 1/2nd ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL East (BAL 2; BOS, NYY, TB, TOR 0).

This is Cedric Mullins' first career MLB ejection.

This is Brandon Hyde's 1st ejection since August 7, 2022 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

This is Malachi Moore's 1st ejection since July 14, 2022 (Bud Black; QOC = N [Out of Base Path]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs Baltimore Orioles, 4/10/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 099 - Malachi Moore (1; Bud Black)

HP Umpire Malachi Moore ejected Rockies manager Bud Black (out of the base path call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Padres-#Rockies game. With none out and two on (R2, R3), Rockies batter Garrett Hampson hit a 2-1 changeup from Padres pitcher Nabil Crismatt on the ground to first baseman Eric Hosmer, who threw to catcher Austin Nola as Rockies baserunner R3 Sam Hilliard attempted to score, ruled out by HP Umpire Moore for running more than three feet to avoid a tag. Replays indicate that Padres catcher Nola failed to catch the baseball; because Nola never possessed the ball, runner Hilliard's base path was never established (no legal tag attempt was ever made because a tag requires possession of the baseball), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 6-3. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

This is Malachi Moore (108)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Malachi Moore now has -3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = -3).

Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 QOCN = 2).

*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(2): "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 he is attempting to reach safely."

*OBR's Definition of Terms: "A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with their body while holding the ball securely and firmly in their hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with their hand or glove holding the ball (not including hanging laces alone), while holding the ball securely and firmly in their hand or glove. It is not a tag, however, if simultaneously or immediately following their touching a base or touching a runner, the fielder drops the ball. In establishing the validity of the tag, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that they have complete control of the ball."

This is the 99th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 51st manager ejection of 2022.

This is Colorado's 1st ejection of 2022, T-4th in the NL West (ARI, SD 3; SF 2; COL, LAD 1).

This is Malachi Moore's first career MLB ejection.

This is Bud Black's 1st ejection since April 14, 2021 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies, 7/13/22 | Video as follows:

Teachable - Less is Moore for Malachi's Out at Home

Tmac's first Teachable Moment of 2022 spotlights HP Umpire Malachi Moore in a preseason Los Angeles game at Dodger Stadium as Moore's out call on Angels runner Brandon Marsh at home plate was confirmed via Replay Review following an unsuccessful challenge by manager Joe Maddon.

With one out and one on (R3) in the top of the 6th inning of Tuesday's Angels-Dodgers game, R3 Marsh attempted to score on a potential wild pitch from Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol, who recovered to receive catcher Austin Barnes' throw and tag Marsh as he slid toward home plate, ruled an out by HP Umpire Moore.

Replays confirmed Moore's ruling (Marsh's front leg was in the air and never did quite touch home plate) and in this Teachable, we see that Moore first cleared the catcher before working the wedge with patient, measured and controlled movement to find an angle that would allow him to see through the keyhole created in the open space between the pitcher's left hip and runner's leading leg.

Viewing the play from multiple angles helps further substantiate the importance of necessary adjustment before setting oneself to make a call (with a potential read step if last-second adjustment is needed), as this play opened up quite nicely from Moore's position to the left-handed batter's box side of home plate, as opposed to a point-of-plate angle suggested by the broadcast's high home camera.

Video as follows:

MLB Debut of Umpire Malachi Moore

Umpire Malachi Moore made his MLB debut during Monday's Athletics-Diamondbacks game in Arizona alongside chief Marvin Hudson's crew with umpires Brian Knight and Mike Muchlinski, outside temperature at first pitch 111° F.

A Wendelstedt Umpire School graduate in 2012, Moore made his way through Minor League Baseball, including the California, Texas, Arizona Instructional, South Atlantic, and Pacific Coast Leagues, in addition to the Arizona Fall League.

He officiated the 2018 XM All-Star Futures Game in Washington, DC, and 2017 Texas League All-Star Game.

Moore spoke as part of the USA Baseball Dream Series in 2019 alongside MLB umpires Kerwin Danley and Adrian Johnson, with supervisor Cris Jones, about his path toward officiating, including his attendance at MLB's first Urban Youth Academy at the league's Compton, CA facility—Moore's hometown.
Related Post: Umpire Odds & Ends: Seeking Advice on Road to the Show (6/25/12).

Moore is baseball's 11th umpire to debut during the 2020 regular season.
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Nestor Ceja (8/14/20).
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Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Lewis "Lew" Williams III (8/2/20).

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Umpire Odds & Ends: Seeking Advice on Road to the Show

Umpires Derryl Cousins, Ron Kulpa & Jim Wolf took time out of their pre-game routine to share their umpiring knowledge with prospect Malachi Moore; their visit—which also featured Triple-A call-up Alan Porter—took place about 60 minutes prior to first pitch of an April Braves-Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium. Originally reported by UEFL'er Russ and published online just recently, Moore asks the veteran crew about the home plate umpire's ability to decipher whether a batted ball has hit the batter and whether this contact results in a foul ball or an interference out. (Video)

Aspiring Umpire Malachi Moore

Malachi Moore is a 22-year-old Compton native, who attended MLB's first Urban Youth Academy (UYA) in Southern California. With previous dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, Moore changed course in late 2010 before his sophomore season at El Camino College, squaring his sights on becoming the UYA's first alum to reach the Major League level as an umpire.

After missing the PBUC cut at the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in early 2011, Moore attended MLB's one-week November Umpire Camp later that year and returned to Florida. With a UYA umpiring school sponsorship in hand, Moore made the most of his second go-around and was selected for the PBUC evaluation course following the month-long course. Moore was also a 2011 umpire in the Northwoods League.

Back to the Dodger Stadium umpires' dressing room and the umpires are discussing mechanics on a fairly difficult play. Moore's question comes just days after Tim Welke and his crew of Paul Schrieber and Mikes Estabrook and Everitt incorrectly determined a bunted ball did not strike the batter during a Tigers-Rangers game. The resulting RBI bunt single proved to be decisive in the outcome of that particular contest.

As previously reported by the UEFL, Rules 6.05(g) and (h) govern batter's interference.