MLB Ejection 101: Mike DiMuro (1; AJ Hinch)

3B Umpire Mike DiMuro ejected Astros Manager AJ Hinch for arguing a Replay Review decision that affirmed DiMuro's out (fan interference) call in the top of the 6th inning of the Astros-Mariners game. With two out and one on, Astros batter Evan Gattis hit a 1-2 cutter from Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker in the air to foul territory in left field, where shortstop Brad Miller attempted to field the fly ball, ruled an out (fan interference) by DiMuro and confirmed via Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Hinch. Replays indicate that as the ball descended toward Miller's glove, a spectator interfered with Miller's opportunity to complete the catch, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 4-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Mike DiMuro (16)'s first ejection of 2015.
Mike DiMuro now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 1).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 16 points in Crew Division (15 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 16).
*Rule 3.16 [OBR 2015 Rule 6.01(e)]: "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference. APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out."

This is the 101st ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 46th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Astros' 2nd ejection of 2015, T-2nd in the AL West (SEA 4; HOU, LAA, OAK, TEX 2).
This is AJ Hinch's first ejection since April 28, 2010 (Marvin Hudson; QOC = Y [Safe/Out]).
This is Mike DiMuro's first ejection since June 23, 2013 (John Farrell; QOC = Y [Catch/No Catch]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners, 6/20/15
Video: A fan interferes with Miller's attempt to make a catch, resulting in the inning's 3rd out (SEA)

MLB Ejection 100: Bruce Dreckman (1; David Ortiz)

HP Umpire Bruce Dreckman ejected Red Sox DH David Ortiz for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the top of the 7th inning of the Red Sox-Royals game. With two out and none on, Ortiz hit a 1-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Kelvin Herrera on a line drive to center field for a single. Replays indicate Ortiz flipped his bat in front of home plate and participated in a verbal exchange with Dreckman from his position at first base, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 7-4. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is Bruce Dreckman (1)'s first ejection of 2015.
Bruce Dreckman now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 3).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 1).

This is the 100th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 47th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Ortiz was 1-3 in the contest.
This is the Red Sox' 5th ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL East (BOS 5; BAL, TOR 4; NYY 3; TB 2).
This is David Ortiz's 2nd ejection of 2015, first since April 19 (John Tumpane; QOC = Y-C [Check Swing]).
This is Bruce Dreckman's first ejection since June 6, 2010 (Joe Girardi; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals, 6/20/15
Video: Big Papi is tossed an MLB-leading 12th time amongst active players after hitting a single (BOS)
Related: Statistics & analysis indicate MLB's biggest "hothead" player is David Ortiz (June 11, 2015)

2015 No-Hitter 2: Mike Muchlinski (1; Max Scherzer)

HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski called Nationals P Max Scherzer's no-hitter, the second of 2015. Scherzer lost his perfect game bid with two out in the 9th on a HBP of Jose Tabata (Sidebar: You make the call), but induced a fly out to ensuing batter Josh Harrison to seal the no-no. Muchlinski was joined for Saturday's Pirates-Nationals game by Sean Barber (1B), Mark Wegner (2B), and crew chief Mike Winters (3B). This is Muchlinski's first career no-hitter.

Saturday's is the first MLB no-hitter since June 9, 2015 (Rob Drake; Chris Heston). Crewmate Mark Wegner is the most recent on the crew to have called a no-hitter (July 14, 2013; Tim Lincecum).

Muchlinski received 37 callable pitches from Scherzer, a total of 23 balls and 14 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 23 called balls outside of strike zone / 0 called balls within strike zone = 23/23 = 100% Accuracy.
Strikes: 10 called strikes inside strike zone / 4 called strikes outside strike zone = 10/14 = <90.0% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score = 33/37 = <90.0% Accuracy (+5 for Scherzer).

Pitch f/x plot courtesy Brooks Baseball.
NOTICE: This non-normalized plot is presented for illustrative purposes only and is NOT the basis for analysis.

MLB Ejections 097-099: Bucknor (1-3; Gibbons, Osuna, Hale)

HP Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons for arguing warnings in the bottom of the 1st and Blue Jays P Roberto Osuna and Bench Coach DeMarlo Hale for throwing at Orioles batter Adam Jones in the top of the 8th inning of the Orioles-Blue Jays game. In the 1st, with two out and none on, Blue Jays batter Jose Bautista took a 0-1 fastball from Orioles pitcher Mike Wright for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and midpoint high, the call was irrecusable. In the 8th, with one out and two on, Jones took a 3-1 fastball for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and chest high, the call was irrecusable. At the time of Gibbons' ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. At the time of the latter ejections, the Blue Jays were leading, 5-1. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are CB Bucknor (54)'s first, second, and third ejections of 2015.
CB Bucknor now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 3*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 5).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 3 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 3 Irrecusable Call = 3).

These are the 97th, 98th, and 99th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 45th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the 46th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Osuna's line was 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER.
This is the Blue Jays' 2-4th ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, BOS, TOR 4; NYY 3; TB 2).
This is John Gibbons' 2nd ejection of 2015, first since June 8 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Roberto Osuna's first career MLB ejection.
This is DeMarlo Hale's first ejection since April 28, 2013 (Chris Conroy; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6/19/15
Video: With Bautista taking offense to a first-inning HBP, CB warns both sides; Gibbons tossed (TOR)
Video: A late HBP on Jones results in two more ejections as Osuna walks to the clubhouse (TOR)

Fairchild Sits Out Thurs After Foul to Face on Wed

After after taking a foul ball to the mask in LA, Chad Fairchild did not umpire the ensuing Rangers-Dodgers series finale and was replaced at third base by call-up umpire Chris Segal. During the bottom of the 8th inning of Wednesday night's Rangers victory, Dodgers batter Enrique (Kiké) Hernandez fouled a 97 mph fastball from Rangers pitcher Tanner Scheppers directly into the lower jaw portion of Fairchild's traditional-style Wilson facemask.

After evaluation from Dodgers training staff, Fairchild remained in the contest for the ensuing inning-and-a-half of play. Fairchild's replacement on Thursday Chris Segal joined umpires Marvin Hudson (HP), crew chief Jim Joyce (1B) and Greg Gibson (2B) for the finale, a 1-0 balk-off.

Video: Fairchild takes a shot to the jowl on a 1-1 fastball late in the Texas-LA game (LAD)

MLB Ejection 096: Jerry Layne (1; Walt Weiss)

2B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Rockies Manager Walt Weiss for arguing a Replay Review that overturned Layne's safe call to an out in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Astros-Rockies game. With two out and one on, Rockies baserunner R1 Charlie Blackmon attempted to steal second base on a 0-0 fastball from Astros pitcher Brett Oberholtzer to Rockies batter DJ LeMahiu as Astros catcher Jason Castro threw to shortstop Carlos Correa. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Astros Manager AJ Hinch, Layne's ruling was reversed, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 3-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of 2015.
Jerry Layne now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 5).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 10 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 10).
*Pursuant to Replay Review Regulation II.D.1, "Such challenge or request will be considered timely only if the Umpire acknowledges that communication within the time period specified above. For purposes of these Regulations, the next "play" shall commence when the pitcher is on the rubber preparing to start his delivery and the batter has entered the batter's box (unless the defensive team initiates an appeal play in which case any call made during the play prior to the appeal still may be subject to Replay Review)." Though Hinch first contacted HP Umpire Bob Davidson, Crew Chief Jerry Layne shall be considered the Calling Umpire: "The Crew Chief shall have the final authority to determine whether a Manager's Challenge is timely" (Reg II.D.6).

This is the 96th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 44th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Rockies' 4th ejection of 2015, 3rd in the NL West (SD 9; LAD 6; COL 4; SF 3; ARI 1).
This is Walt Weiss' 2nd ejection of 2015, first since May 6 (Bill Miller; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since June 18, 2014 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies, 6/17/15
Video: Astros nab Blackmon stealing, overturning Layne's call as Weiss is tossed arguing the review (HOU)
Video: In his postgame press conference, Weiss complains that Hinch waited too long to challenge (COL)

MLB Ejection 095: Alfonso Marquez (2; Robin Ventura)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing an interference (out) call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Pirates-White Sox game. With none out and one on, White Sox batter Melky Cabrera attempted to strike a 3-2 changeup from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke for strike three. Replays indicate that after striking out swinging, Cabrera stepped out of the right-handed batter's box and across the back of home plate, interfering with Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli's throw to second base, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 3-0. The Pirates ultimately on the contest, 3-2.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s second ejection of 2015.
Alfonso Marquez now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 4).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 4 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 4).
*Rule 7.09(e) [OBR 2015 Rule 6.01(a)(5)] states that is interference when: "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 his teammate." Rule 6.06(c) [OBR 2015 Rule 6.03(a)(3)] specifies that a batter may be guilty of interfering with the catcher's fielding or throwing by "stepping out of the batter's box." Rule 7.09(e) takes precedence over 6.06(c) in enforcement because Cabrera was out on the third strike, though the interpretation for interference by stepping out of the batter's box applies to both rules.

This is the 95th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 43rd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the White Sox' 4th ejection of 2015, 2nd in the AL Central (KC 9; CWS 5; CLE, DET, MIN 2).
This is Robin Ventura's first ejection since August 13, 2014 (Fieldin Culbreth; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Alfonso Marquez's first ejection since April 14, 2015 (Terry Collins; QOC = N [Interference]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago White Sox, 6/17/15
Video: Robin gets himself tossed arguing interference, Hawk chimes in with his brilliant analysis (CWS)

MLB Ejection 094: Larry Vanover (1; John Farrell)

1B Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Red Sox Manager John Farrell for arguing a ball two (check swing) call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Red Sox-Braves game. With two out and two on, Braves batter Pedro Ciriaco attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Tommy Layne. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (5-2-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 4-2. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s first ejection of 2015.
Larry Vanover now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (-3 Previous + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has ? points in Crew Division (0 Previous + ? Call = ?).

This is the 94th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 42nd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Red Sox' 4th ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, BOS 4; NYY 3; TB 2; TOR 1).
This is John Farrell's 2nd ejection of 2015, first since May 29 (Todd Tichenor; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Larry Vanover's first ejection since May 25, 2014 (Sean Rodriguez; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/17/15
Video: Farrell disputes a 1-1 check swing call by Vanover, argues through warning and is tossed (BOS)

MiLB Ejection: Ron Teague (Joe Mikulik)

HP Umpire Ron Teague ejected RoughRiders Manager Joe Mikulik for arguing an out call in the top of the 5th inning of the RoughRiders-RockHounds game on Tuesday in Double-A baseball's Texas League. B1 hit a ground ball to F3, who threw to F2 as R3 arrived at home plate with PU Teague declaring R3 out on the tag. Replays indicate F2 did not possess the ball when his glove made contact with R3 and that the baseball was on the ground in front of home plate, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the RoughRiders were leading, 2-1. The Hounds ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 10 innings.

"We are rapidly digressing here from a very valid argument to a third grader who just lost his lunch box."

Though Mikulik's argument eventually devolved into what has become known as a typical Mikulik post-ejection tantrum, replays indicate Teague did not see the ball lying on the ground until after he had already signaled the baserunner out at home, a call upheld after consultation and a brief conference with 1B Umpire Clay Park and 3B Umpire Clayton Hamm.

This is Joe Mikulik's first ejection temper tantrum since April 11, 2015 (U1 Bryan Fields; Throwing At), or September 3, 2014 (PU Travis Godec, U3 Rich Grassa; HR/Not HR), or if stealing third base isn't tantrum-worthy, maybe July 28, 2012 (U1 Mike Patterson; Safe/Out) or his 2006 Asheville Tourists performance.

Box score: Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland RockHounds (MiLB AA Texas League), 6/16/15
Video: Milulik argues an out call at home on dropped ball before throwing equipment on the field (FRI)

MLB Ejection 093: Lance Barksdale (1; Justin De Fratus)

HP Umpire Lance Barksdale ejected Phillies P Justin De Fratus for throwing at Orioles batter J.J. Hardy in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Phillies-Orioles game. With none out and none on, Orioles batter Chris Parmelee hit a 1-0 fastball from De Fratus for a home run. Ensuing batter Hardy took a first-pitch fastball from De Fratus for ball one. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and thigh high, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 15-3. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 19-3.


This is Lance Barksdale (23)'s first ejection of 2015.
Lance Barksdale now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 3).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 3).

This is the 93rd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 45th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, De Fratus' line was 1.0 IP, 2 ER, HR.
This is the Phillies' 3rd ejection of 2015, T-2nd in the NL East (WAS 5; ATL, PHI 3; NYM 2; MIA 1).
This is Justin De Fratus' first career MLB ejection.
This is Lance Barksdale's first ejection since May 14, 2014 (Lloyd McClendon; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6/16/15
Video: De Fratus throws inside to Hardy and calmly walks off the mound after being ejected (PHI)