MLB Ejection 014 - Nestor Ceja (1; Matt Quatraro)

2B Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Royals manager Matt Quatraro (balk no-call; QOCN) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Royals-#Yankees game. With two out and one on, Yankees pitcher Will Warren faced Royals batter Jac Caglianone while operating out of Set Position, with no balk called. Replays indicate that prior to the 1-0 pitch, Warren engaged the rubber, moved from stretch to set by bringing his hands together, and then removed his pitching hand from his glove to access his PitchCom system, before returning his hand to his glove and delivering the ball to the batter; this is a balk, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 13-4.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(10): "If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base."

Related Post: PitchCom Fails, Causes Balk in Mets-Cubs Game (5/25/23).

This is the 14th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 10th manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 10 Managers, 1 Coaches, 3 Players.

This is Kansas City's 1st ejection of 2026, 1st in the AL Central (KC, MIN 1; CWS, CLE, DET 0).

This is Matt Quatraro's 1st ejection since August 15, 2025 (Tom Hanahan; QOC = N [Obstruction]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since September 19, 2025 (John Schneider; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees, 4/18/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 161-2 - James Jean, Nestor Ceja (TOR x2)

HP Umpire James Jean ejected Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (ball four call to Maikel Garcia; QOCN) in the bottom of the 1st and 3B Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Blue Jays manager John Schneider (check swing ball call to John Rave; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #BlueJays-#Royals game. In the 1st, with none out and one on, Royals batter Garcia took a 3-2 fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow beneath the knee (px 0.75, pz 1.94 [sz_bot 1.70 / RAD 1.58]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 2-1. In the 6th, Royals batter Rave attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 splitter from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 10-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 20-1.

This is James Jean (61)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 0.01 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 161st and 162nd ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 26th coach ejection of 2025.

This is the 84th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 84 Managers, 26 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Toront's 8/9th ejection of 2025, 2nd in the AL East (NYY 16; TOR 9; BOS 7; BAL 5; TB 4).

This is Pete Walker's 1st ejection since June 3, 2024 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Schneider's 4th ejection of 2025, 1st since Aug 18 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is James Jean's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since Sept 14 (Warren Schaeffer; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 10 (Johnny Washington; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs Kansas City Royals, 9/19/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 028 - Nestor Ceja (1; Johnny Washington)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Angels hitting coach Johnny Washington (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Orioles-#Angels game. With one out and the bases loaded, Angels batter Luis Rengifo hit a 0-1 fastball from Orioles pitcher Colin Selby for an RBI groundout. Replays indicate no controversial or close calls occurred prior to the ejection, although the broadcaster suggested carryover from the previous game in relation to a check swing strike call, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 5-0. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 0.36 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 28th ejection of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 8th coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 12 Managers, 8 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is Los Angeles' 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL West (LAA 1; HOU, OAK, SEA, TEX 0).

This is Johnny Washington's 1st ejection since August 19, 2024 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since September 15, 2024 (Jesse Winker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 5/10/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 171 - Nestor Ceja (3; Jesse Winker)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Mets PH Jesse Winker (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Mets-#Phillies game. With two out and none on, Mets batter Jesse Winker took a 1-2 fastball from Phillies pitcher José Ruiz for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.22, pz 3.64 [sz_top 3.44 / RAD 3.56 / MOE 3.64]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

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

This is the 171st ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 58th player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 27 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is New York's 6th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL East (MIA, NYM 6; WAS 5; PHI 4; ATL 1).

This is Jesse Winker's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 22 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 31 (Andy Haines; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9/15/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 134 - Nestor Ceja (2; Andy Haines)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Pirates hitting coach Andy Haines (strike two call to Andrew McCutchen; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Pirates-#Astros game. With none out and none on, McCutchen took a 1-1 sinker from Astros pitcher Framber Valdez 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 -0.26, pz 1.58 [sz_bot 1.64 / RAD 1.52]), the call was correct.* At the time of ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 1.68 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 134th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 20th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 66 Managers, 20 Coaches, 48 Players.

This is Pittsburgh's 6th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL Central (MIL, PIT 6; CHC, STL 5; CIN 3).

This is Andy Haines' 1st ejection since July 7, 2023 (John Libka; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since July 13 (Mauricio Dubón; QOC = Y [Replay]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Houston Astros, 7/31/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 116 - Nestor Ceja (1; Mauricio Dubón)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Astros PH Mauricio Dubón (Replay Review decision that upheld 1B Umpire Carlos Torres' out call) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Rangers-#Astros game. With two out and one on, Astros batter Dubón hit a 1-2 knuckle curve from Rangers pitcher David Robertson on the ground to shortstop Corey Seager, who threw to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe as Dubón arrived at first base, ruled out by 1B Umpire Torres. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Astros manager Joe Espada, Torres' out call stood. Replays do not conclusively indicate whether or not Dubón was out at first base, the call stands was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 10 innings.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

This is the 117th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 43rd player ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 56 Managers, 17 Coaches, 43 Players.

This is Houston's 7th ejection of 2024, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, SEA 7; OAK 6; TEX 4; LAA 2).

This is Mauricio Dubón's first career MLB ejection.

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since July 6, 2023 (Mike Ford; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros, 7/13/24 | Video as follows:

Did Hernández Interfere with Catcher Trevino in New York?

With two on and none out, Dodgers batter Enrique Hernández bunted a cutter from Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver in the air. New York catcher Jose Trevino took off in pursuit of the batted ball and tripped over Hernández, still in the box and looking up at the baseball. HP Umpire Nestor Ceja no-called this play, ruling it a foul ball, bringing Yankees manager Aaron Boone out of the dugout for a brief argument.

Was this interference by the batter or was a no-call due to incidental contact the correct ruling?

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10) declares any batter or runner out for interference if "they fail to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball." The umpire is obliged to protect one fielder for the purpose of this rule and, as Trevino was the only fielder chasing the ball, he was the protected fielder.

It is important to differentiate this play, which concerns a batted ball, from batter's interference plays concerning pitched balls, e.g., with the catcher's throwing or play to retire a stealing runner when the batter has already swung and missed—OBR 6.03(a)(3), which states "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."

Because this is a batted ball, the more restrictive OBR 6.01(a)(10) is the relevant rule.

Accordingly, Hernández has a duty to avoid Trevino and violating this batted ball right of way rule can result in interference. There is one exception, however...

The so-called Armbrister-Fisk tangle/untangle exception to this is found in OBR 6.01(a)(10) Comment: "When a catcher and batter-runner going to first base have contact when the catcher is fielding the ball, there is generally no violation and nothing should be called."

The key to this exception is the phrase "batter-runner going to first base." If Hernández fails to move toward first base on a batted ball—even a foul ball, as the rule states "batted ball" and not "fair ball" or "foul ball"—the Armbrister exception cannot apply and, thus, Hernández should be declared out for interfering with Trevino by virtue of failing to avoid a fielder attempting to field batted ball.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 137 - Nestor Ceja (2; Mike Ford)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Mariners DH Mike Ford (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Mariners-#Astros game. With none out and one on, Ford took a 3-2 fastball from Astros pitcher Seth Martinez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -0.89, pz 1.84 [sz_bot 1.56]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 4-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

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

This pitch was located 0.29 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 137th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 55th player ejection of 2023. Ejections: 66 Managers, 55 Players, 16 Coaches.

This is Seattle's 5th ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK, SEA, TEX 5; HOU 3).

This is Mike Ford's first career MLB ejection.

This is Nestor Ceja's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 3 (Jarred Kelenic; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros, 7/6/23 | Video as follows:

Runner Madrigal Out for Sliding Past 2nd on Walk, But...

Despite being awarded second base on a walk to teammate Seiya Suzuki, Replay Review declared Cubs baserunner Nick Madrigal out at second, Crew Chief Brian O'Nora explaining the runner was out for sliding past second base, 2B Umpire Nestor Ceja's call (which after crew consultation was safe) overturned by Replay HQ. Was this the correct call?

With one out and Madrigal on first base for Chicago, Giants pitcher Anthony DeSclafani's 3-2 pitch to Cubs batter Suzuki ran low, ruled ball four by HP Umpire Pat Hoberg as R1 Madrigal, running on the pitch, slid into second base and Giants catcher Patrick Bailey threw to second baseman Thairo Estrada, who applied a tag as R1 Madrigal slid into the base. 2B Umpire Ceja initially ruled Madrigal out as Estrada kept the tag on him, but changed the call to safe after discussion with the crew regarding whether the runner had actually past second base or not.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler challenged the safe call, claiming Madrigal should have been out on the tag for having passed second base, and Replay evidently agreed, overturning Ceja's call and awarding San Francisco an out.

In sum, on ball four, the runner at first base is forced to advance to second and, due to the batter's base award, entitled to that base without liability to be put out. However, if that runner runs or slides past their base award, then they are liable to be tagged out: the key, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(1) Comment, is whether or not the runner has run or slid "past the base" or not.

Past is a significant word here, as the MLB Umpire Manual defines when a runner is considered to have passed a base. If the runner is not yet past a base, that runner is considered to still be prior (even if the runner is on the base itself).

MLBUM specifies the following: "A runner is considered to have passed a base if he has both feet on the ground beyond the back edge of the base or beyond the edge of the base in the direction in which they are advancing."

Accordingly, with replays clearly indicating that R1 Madrigal's left foot never landed on the ground beyond the back edge of the base, the runner should have been deemed safe, for having remained prior and never actually passing second base, regardless of the fielder's tag.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 037 - Nestor Ceja (1; Jarred Kelenic)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Mariners CF Jarred Kelenic (strike one call; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Mariners-#Athletics game. With none out and none on, Kelenic took a first-pitch fastball from A's pitcher JP Sears for a called first strike before striking out swinging on the at-bat's third pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and belt-high (px -0.97, pz 2.86), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 7-2, in 10 innings.

This is Nestor Ceja (33)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

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

This pitch was located 0.67 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 37th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 15th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 18 Managers, 15 Players, 4 Coaches.

This is Seattle's 1st ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, LAA, OAK, SEA, TEX 1).

This is Jarred Kelenic's 1st ejection since Aug 8, 2021 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since June 26, 2022 (David Bell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Oakland Athletics, 5/3/23 | Video as follows:

Watch the Berti - 1B Umpire Ceja's Teachable Moment

Tmac's latest offseason Teachable Moment highlights an adjustment at first base. Nationals batter Luis Garcia grounds out after a bad bounce that looked to ruin Miami's play at first, but then Marlins 2B Jon Berti makes a snazzy play to beat the runner, 1B Umpire Nestor Ceja instinctually adjusting both his physical position and point of focus in order to make a call ultimately confirmed following Replay Review.

The key for this play is to always keep in mind one's responsibilities while reacting to the unexpected. In this scenario, Ceja knows his responsibility after signaling "fair" is to first base, so after locating the ball and reading that fielder Berti has backed up the play and fielded the ball, Ceja turns his attention back toward first base in order to rule on the out/safe issue.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 085 - Nestor Ceja (2; David Bell)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Reds manager David Bell (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Reds-#Giants game. With two out and one on (R2), Reds batter Matt Reynolds took a 0-2 fastball from Giants pitcher John Brebbia for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.89, pz 2.13) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 10-3. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 10-3.

This is Nestor Ceja (103)'s 2nd ejection of 2022.

Nestor Ceja now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 6).

Crew Chief Bill Welke 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 0.29 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 85th ejection of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 41st manager ejection of 2022.

This is Cincinnati's 1st ejection of 2022, T-4th in the NL Central (CHC 4; STL 3; PIT 2; CIN, MIL 1).

This is David Bell's 1st ejection since August 29, 2021 (Edwin Moscoso; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since June 22 (Phil Nevin; QOC = N-c [Balk]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants, 6/26/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 074 - Nestor Ceja (1; Phil Nevin)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Angels manager Phil Nevin (balk call by 3B Umpire Bill Welke; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#Angels game. With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 6th, 3B Umpire Welke called Angels pitcher Andrew Wantz for a no-stop balk during a 1-2 pitch to Royals batter Carlos Santana, advancing Royals baserunner R1 MJ Melendez to second base. Replays indicate the pitcher appeared to stop movement throughout his body prior to delivering to the batter, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection (in the 7th), the Royals were leading, 7-5. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 12-11, in 11 innings.

This is Nestor Ceja (103)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Nestor Ceja now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 AAA - 2 Incorrect Call-Crewmate = 2).

Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).

*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(13): "It is a balk when—The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop."

This is the 74th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 38th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Los Angeles' 3rd ejection of 2022, T-2nd in the AL West (HOU 5; LAA, OAK, SEA 3; TEX 0).

This is Phil Nevin's 1st ejection since June 6, 2021 (Gabe Morales; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since August 20, 2021 (Walker Buehler; QOC = N [Hit/Foul Ball]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Angels of Carmen San Diego, 6/21/22 | Video as follows:

Buster's Pocket Full of Posey Rules Misfire Hurts SF in Two Runners, One Base Fiasco

When Giants catcher Buster Posey tagged Dodgers baserunners R2 Corey Seager and R3 Justin Turner as they both occupied third base, it seemed only 3B Umpire Nestor Ceja knew about baseball's two runners-one-base rule 5.06(a)(2) as all three players vacated the immediate area, only for Posey to then retag the runner who was already out.

The Giants needed a double play to win the game and, had Posey heeded the Official Baseball Rules, San Francisco would have gotten it. Instead, Los Angeles kept a runner on third base, who subsequently scored to tie the game with two out in the 9th inning.

Play: With one out and two on (R2, R3), Dodgers batter Will Smith hit a 0-1 fastball from Giants pitcher Jake McGee on the ground to second baseman Thairo Estrada, who threw home to catcher Posey as Dodgers baserunner R3 Turner ran down the line. Posey ran Turner all the way back to third base as R2 Seager stood on it, with Posey tagging both Dodgers runners.

Call: 3B Umpire Ceja no-called Posey's first tag of Turner, and then pointed to and ruled Seager out on Posey's ensuing tag of Seager. Both Dodgers players then vacated third base and Posey opted to pursue and tag retired R2 Seager while R3 Turner scampered safely back to third base.

Mechanics-wise, umpires employ a point or bird-dog in such a situation to make it clear which runner is the player being declared out. Unfortunately, Turner didn't appear to pay attention. Then again, neither did Posey.

Rule: Official Baseball Rule 5.06(a)(2) states: "Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching a base, the following runner shall be out when tagged and the preceding runner is entitled to the base, unless Rule 5.06(b)(2) applies." OBR 5.06(b)(2), for what it's worth, pertains to force plays and effectively reverses entitlements in such a situation (on a force play, the trailing runner is entitled to the base).

Related Post: Right of Return - Occupied Base (4/3/18).

Conclusion: As Giants broadcaster Jon Miller correctly stated, the trail runner (Seager) was out and Posey tagged the wrong runner (Seager), effectively tagging out an already-retired player for a second time. Fortunately for San Francisco, the Giants defeated their division rival Dodgers in extra innings, thanks to a walk-off error that enabled Posey to reach first base on a bases-loaded ground ball.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 143 - Nestor Ceja (1; Walker Buehler)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (foul ball no-call; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Mets-#Dodgers game. With two out and two on (R2, R3), Mets batter Pete Alonso hit a 2-0 sinker from Buehler softly on the ground, fielded by third baseman Justin Turner for an infield single scoring Mets baserunner R3 Patrick Mazeika. Replays indicate the batted ball made contact with Alonso's foot as Alonso stood in the batter's box, the foul ball no-call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 3-2. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Nestor Ceja (103)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Nestor Ceja now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 QOCN = 4).

Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

This is the 143rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 58th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Buehler's line was 7.2 IP, 2 ER.

This is Los Angeles' 4th ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL West (SD 12; ARI 5; LAD 4; COL, SF 2).

This is Walker Buehler's first career MLB ejection.

This is Nestor Ceja's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 14 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 8/20/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 074 - Nestor Ceja (1; Brandon Hyde)

1B Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (check swing hit-by-pitch call) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Orioles-#Indians game. With none out and one on (R1), Indians batter Amed Rosario attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer, ruled a foul ball and no swing by HP Umpire Jim Wolf, affirmed as no swing by 1B Umpire Ceja, and overturned to a hit-by-pitch upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Indians manager Terry Francona. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (9-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Nestor Ceja (103)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Nestor Ceja now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 6).

Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 QOCY = 3).

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 002 - Jeremie Rehak (1; Brandon Hyde) [Swing vs HBP] (4/8/21).

*Related Post for Brandon Hyde: MLB Debut of Umpire Nestor Ceja (8/14/20).

This is the 74th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 39th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Baltimore's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the AL East (NYY; BAL, BOS 2; TOR 1; TB 0).

This is Brandon Hyde's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 8 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Nestor Ceja's 1st ejection since August 22, 2020 (Martin Maldonado; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians, 6/14/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 31 - Nestor Ceja (1; Martin Maldonado)

HP Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Astros bench player Martin Maldonado (warnings) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the #Astros-#Padres game. With one out and two on, Padres batter Trent Grisham hit a home run off Astros pitcher Brandon Bielak, his second of the game, to give San Diego a 6-1 lead. Subsequent Padres batter Fernando Tatis then took a first-pitch changeup from Bielak for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a crew consultation and issuance of warnings. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Tatis on his left thigh, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 6-1. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 13-2.

This is Nestor Ceja (103)'s first ejection of 2020.
Nestor Ceja now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 QOCU = 4).

This is the 31st ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 16th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Maldonado did not participate in the game.
This is Houston's 2nd ejection of 2020, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 3; HOU 2; LAA, TEX 1; SEA 0).
This is Martin Maldonado's 1st ejection since May 8, 2019 (Brian Knight; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Nestor Ceja's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Houston Asterisks vs. San Diego Padres, 8/22/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Debut of Umpire Nestor Ceja

Umpire Nestor Ceja made his MLB debut Friday in Arizona alongside Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez, Chris Guccione, and Cory Blaser.

Ceja's first stops after graduation from the MiLB Umpire Academy were the 2013 Midwest and Florida Instructional Leagues, after which he called games in the California, Texas, and Pacific Coast Leagues, in addition to the Arizona Fall League.

He officiated the 2016 XM All-Star Futures Game in San Diego and is an instructor at the MiLB Umpire Training Academy.

In 2016, he ejected San Antonio Missions Manager Phillip Wellman, leading to an extended tirade.
Related Post: Featured MiLB Ejection - Nestor Ceja (Phil Wellman) (5/27/16).

Ceja is one of 10 rookie umpires to make his MLB debut during the 2020 regular season. He becomes the second Nestor in the history of baseball to serve as a major league umpire. The other—Nestor Chylak—wound up in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Clinton "Clint" Vondrak (8/10/20).
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Nate Tomlinson (8/7/20).
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Erich Bacchus (8/7/20).
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Adam Beck (8/5/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Randy Rosenberg (8/4/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Lewis "Lew" Williams III (8/2/20).

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).

Case Play 2018-9 - Walk-off Appeal Madness

As the 2018 Arizona Fall League All-Star Game ended on a walk-off base hit, 1B Umpire Nestor Ceja lingered for a few extra seconds as first baseman Peter Alonso tried calling for an appeal, claiming that batter-runner Meibrys Viloria failed to touch first base.

East All-Star Alonso calls out to deaf ears.

The Play: With one on (R3) and two out in the bottom of the 9th inning of a tied ballgame, West All-Stars batter Viloria hit a line drive to the gap in right-center field, easily scoring baserunner R3 Buddy Reed from third base. As Viloria approached and rounded first base, an onslaught of celebrating teammates pushed and shoved him away from the bag such that Viloria was unable to touch first base as he ran by.

Both U1 Ceja and F3 Alonso noticed Viloria's struggle and non-touch, as Ceja remained in the vicinity and Alonso tried calling for the ball to retire Viloria for the inning's third out and send the AFL's Fall Stars game into extras.

Ceja, waiting for appeal, is trapped in the mob.

The theatre turned out to be all for naught, as Viloria, after rounding first base without actually touching it, fought through a mob of celebrating teammates to return to and touch first base, all while the baseball remained in right-center field, the East All-Stars having given up on the play.

Question: Assume Alonso's teammates in the outfield were actually paying attention and threw the ball to Alonso as Viloria fought through his teammates to return to first base. What would be the proper ruling if... A) Alonso tagged Viloria while off his base (or tagged first base before Viloria returned to touch it)? B) Alonso was unable to get to Viloria (or the base) before Viloria returned due to the human traffic jam caused by the West All-Star celebration?

And, if you're really daring, C) A security guard picked up the baseball and threw it back to Alonso, who then tagged Viloria while off his base (go ahead and assume the bases were loaded, too)?

This Q resembles a 2015 play in AZ.

Yes, this is meant as a reference to the walk-off non-appeal play in Arizona from 2015, when Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips tried to appeal R2 and R3's failures to touch their respective bases on a bases loaded, one-out, walk-off single. A security officer retrieved and threw the ball to Phillips, who tagged several bases in an attempt to appeal the baserunning infractions. Crew Chief Larry Vanover said that because R3 touched home and BR touched first, the game was over, thus leaving the security guard issue unanswered.

MLB added an interpretation to Rule 5.08(b) since then [formerly known as 4.09(b)] to state that a base hit does not qualify as a 5.08(b) game-ending play since 5.08(b) now requires an event that "forces the batter and all other runners to advance without liability of being put out." The rule used to say "...which forces the runner on third to advance" only. MLB since made it clear that 5.08(b) (f/k/a 4.09(b)) only applies to bases-loaded without liability of being put out situations. This time, the batter-runner hasn't yet touched first, so we ask the question again.
Related Post: Case Play 2015-07, Merkle Revisited [Solved] (8/10/15).

Official Baseball Rules Library
OBR 5.09(c)(2): "Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when—With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a base, he fails to touch each base in order before he, or a missed base, is tagged."
OBR 5.09(c): "Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before the defensive team leaves the field...For the purpose of this rule, the defensive team has 'left the field' when the pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory on their way to the bench or clubhouse."
OBR 6.01(a)(4): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—Any member or members of the offensive team stand or gather around any base to which a runner is advancing, to confuse, hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate or teammates."
OBR 6.01(a)(8): "It is interference by a batter or runner when—In the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists him in returning to or leaving third base or first base."
OBR 6.01(b) [Fielder Right of Way]: "The players, coaches or any member of a team at bat shall vacate any space (including both dugouts or bullpens) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball...If a member of the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder’s attempt to field a thrown ball, the ball is dead, the runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out and all runners return to the last legally occupied base at the time of the interference."
OBR 6.01(d) [Unintentional Interference]: "In case of unintentional interference with play by any person herein authorized to be on the playing field (except members of the team at bat who are participating in the game, or a base coach, any of whom interfere with a fielder attempting to field a batted or thrown ball; or an umpire) the ball is alive and in play. If the interference is intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment of the interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference."

Video as follows:

Featured MiLB Ejection - Nestor Ceja (Phil Wellman)

Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Phillip Wellman days after Joe Mikulik—Phil's minor league manager meltdown colleague (also a Double-A skipper in the Texas League)—erupted over Jeff Gorman's slide rule violation call at second base (see: MiLB Ejection - Jeff Gorman [Joe Mikulik]). The Ceja-Wellman reason for ejection? Also a slide interference double play call at second base.

At least it wasn't a 40-run game, which was the case in Lancaster Thursday night (29-11, Lancaster def. Stockton). Huge honorable mention to HP Umpire Takahito Matsuda and U1 Jesse Orozco, who had to keep up with that 3-hour, 50-minute madness.

Back to Texas...3B Umpire Nestor Ceja ejected Missions Manager Phillip Wellman for arguing a slide rule interference/double play call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Naturals-Missions game. With none out and one on (R1), Missions batter Jose Rondon bunted on the ground to Naturals catcher Cam Gallagher, who threw to shortstop Jack Lopez as Missions baserunner R1 Nelson Ward slid into second base. Replays (naturally) are unavailable, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Missions ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

Related Ejection: Phil Wellman goes nuts on plate umpire (and present Wendelstedt Chief of Instruction) Brent Rice over an ejection of Wellman's pitcher Kelvin Villa (6/1/2007)

Wrap: Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs. San Antonio Missions, 5/26/16 | Video via "Read more"