MLB Ejections 028|029 - Ben May, Jeff Nelson (1, 1; HOU)

HP Umpire Ben May ejected Astros Manager AJ Hinch for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 8th and 1B Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Astros CF Carlos Gomez for arguing balls and strikes prior to the 10th inning of the Mariners-Astros game. In the 8th, with none out and none on, Astros batter Carlos Correa took a 3-2 slider from Mariners pitcher Nick Vincent for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .31, pz 1.54 [sz_bot 1.7 / MOE 1.6]), the call was incorrect. With one out in the 9th, Astros batter Jason Castro took a 3-2 slider from Mariners pitcher Steve Cischek for a called third strike and ensuing batter George Springer took a 3-2 sinker from Cischek for a called third strike; Gomez did not bat in the 9th inning. Replays indicate the pitches to both batters were located over the inner half of home plate and belt high (Castro: px -.59, pz 2.66; Springer: px -.45, pz 2.88), the call was correct. At the time of Hinch's ejection, the Mariners were leading, 2-1. At the time of Gomez's ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 10 innings.

This is Ben May (97)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ben May now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 [3 AAA - 1 Pen] - 4 QOCN = -2).
Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect + 1 Correct = 3).

These are the 28th and 29th ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 14th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the 15th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Gomez was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the Astros' 1/2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL West (HOU 2; TEX 1; LAA, OAK, SEA 0).
This is Carlos Gomez's first ejection since July 27, 2015 (Gerry Davis; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is AJ Hinch's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (Bill Miller; QOC = U-C [Replay Review]).
This is Ben May's first ejection since S: April 2, 2015 (Tyler Flowers; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).
This is Jeff Nelson's first ejection since P: October 7, 2015 (Sean Rodriguez; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros, 5/7/16
Video: Hinch and Gomez are ejected for arguing separate strike three calls ("Read more")

Injury - Eric Cooper Out 10-14 Days with Tendon Strain

Eric Cooper is out 10-14 days with a foot injury sustained during Friday night's Brewers-Reds game. With none out and one on in the top of the 9th inning, Brewers baserunner R1 Jonathan Villar was picked off and caught stealing second base on Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani's throw to Joey Votto.

In his attempt to avoid Villar during the ensuing rundown, Cooper jumped back awkwardly on his right foot; after a brief injury delay during which Cooper retired to the umpire's dressing room, the game concluded with the three-person crew of Gary Cederstrom (HP), Jim Wolf (1B, from 2B) and Adrian Johnson (3B).

Sean Barber was called upon to fill-in for Cooper on Saturday, serving as the first base umpire with Wolf behind the dish. Barber last worked MLB on Thursday with Rob Drake, Cory Blaser, and Sam Holbrook in Toronto and had been sent down on Friday, as Carlos Torres took over on interim chief Holbrook's crew in Atlanta. As a rover not assigned to a regular International League crew, Barber officiated with AAA's Jeremy Riggs, John Bacon and James Rackley during Friday's Louisville Bats-Indianapolis Indians game. Riggs, Bacon and Rackley returned to a three-umpire configuration on Saturday.

Video: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds, 5/6/16 (Condensed Game; Cooper Injury at 12:05)

Injury - Dana DeMuth Leaves Cards Game on Foul Ball

Dana DeMuth was injured by a foul ball during the Pirates-Cardinals game in St. Louis Saturday afternoon. DeMuth was struck by a first-inning foul ball off the bat of Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty, leaving the game two innings later pursuant to MLB's protocol for head injuries.

Piscotty fouled off a 2-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke directly into the center-face portion of DeMuth's traditional-style facemask, knocking the mask off the umpire's head.

Crewmate Ed Hickox replaced DeMuth behind the plate, vacating his second base position while Greg Gibson (1B) and Mike Estabrook (3B) remained in the field as the crew worked shorthanded.

Nashville Sounds Unveil Chuck Meriwether Umpire Room

Nashville's Chuck Meriwether has an umpire room, the Sounds honoring the retired MLB umpire in a pre-game ceremony Friday night naming the officials' room at First Tennessee Park where the Triple-A/PCL squad and Oakland A's affiliate plays its games.

Chuck Meriwether honored in NSH. Photo: Sounds/MiLB.

Chuck Meriwether is originally from Nashville, graduating from the local Father Ryan Academy high school before attending Athens State College in nearby Alabama, where he played first base for the school baseball team.

Meriwether enrolled in the Wendelstedt Umpire School shortly after graduating from Athens with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, beginning his baseball career in 1979 and landing a full-time American League gig in 1993, where he umpired until 2010 (adding the NL in 2000 when the staffs merged), working several Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Games, and World Series.

Meriwether spent a total of 11 years in Triple-A, including the Pacific Coast League (1982-85) and American Association (1986-92). He currently works for Major League Baseball as an Umpire Supervisor, one of his duties involving the AAA-to-MLB transition, meaning he visits Triple-A stadiums such as First Tennessee Park throughout the season. He also has ties to the city of Nashville itself, serving on the Nashville Metropolitan Sports Authority Board of Directors for metro Nashville and Davidson County.

Surrounded by family and friends during Friday's pre-game event, Meriwether was presented with a plaque commemorating the new "Chuck Meriwether Umpire Room" by Sounds owner Frank Ward and team mascot Booster, a giant red rooster.

MLB Ejection 027 - Bill Miller (1; Robin Ventura)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for Unsportsmanlike-NEC (Arguing Warnings/Ejection No-Call by HP Umpire Todd Tichenor) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Twins-White Sox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Jose Abreu took a 0-1 fastball for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the 97-mph pitch struck Abreu on the left arm, resulting in a bench-clearing incident and warnings issued, the call was irrecusable. Abreu was the third hit batsman of the game. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 10-4. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 10-4.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Bill Miller now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 4).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 3).

This is the 27th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 13th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the White Sox' 2nd ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the AL Central (MIN 4; CWS, DET 2; KC 1; CLE 0).
This is Robin Ventura's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since April 30 (Gerry Davis; QOC = N [Replay]).
This is Bill Miller's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (AJ Hinch; QOC = U-C [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox, 5/6/16
Video: After a late-inning HBP & warnings, Ventura unsuccessfully campaigns for more ("Read more")

MLB Ejections 025|026 - Ron Kulpa (1-2; J Farrell, D Ortiz)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Red Sox Manager John Farrell and DH David Ortiz for arguing strike calls in the top of the 9th inning of the Yankees-Red Sox game. With one out and the bases loaded, Ortiz took two consecutive 3-1 sliders from Yankees pitcher Andrew Miller for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 3-1 pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and knee high (px -.730, pz 1.894 [sz_bot 1.79]), the call was correct. Replays indicate the 3-2 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.445, pz 1.332 [sz_bot 1.790 / MOE 1.707]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejections, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

These are Ron Kulpa (46)'s first and second ejections of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ron Kulpa now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2*[2 MLB] + 2 Y - 4 N = 3).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call + 0 N = 2).
*David Ortiz was named MLB's leading hothead player in a June 2015 study of ejection rates.

These are the 25th and 26th ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 12th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the 14th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Ortiz was 1-5 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Yankees' 1/2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL East (BOS 2; BAL, NYY, TB, TOR 1).
This is John Farrell's first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Tim Timmons; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is David Ortiz's first ejection since June 20, 2015 (Bruce Dreckman; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Ron Kulpa's first ejection since August 23, 2015 (Jeff Banister; QOC = U [Arguing Ejection]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, 5/6/16
Video: Big Papi argues consecutive called strikes, prompting his & Farrell's ejection ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 024 - Cory Blaser (1; AJ Pierzynski)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Braves C AJ Pierzynski for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Diamondbacks-Braves game. With two out and one on, Pierzynski took a 3-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.404, pz 1.536 [sz_bot 1.680 / MOE 1.597]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

This is Cory Blaser (89)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Cory Blaser now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Sam Holbrook now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 24th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 13th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Pierzynski was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Braves' 1st ejection of 2016, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 3; ATL 1; NYM, PHI, WAS 0).
This is A.J. Pierzynski's first ejection since March 18, 2015 (Joe West; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Cory Blaser's first ejection since August 15, 2015 (Steve McCatty; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves, 5/6/16
Video: After striking out looking to end the 4th, AJ is thrown out of the game ("Read more")

MiLB Umpires Clark, Ballou Praised for RV Rescue

When an RV crashed on I-95, MiLB umpires Cody Clark and Brock Ballou sprung into action to assist its occupants, preserving the scene until police, fire, and medical services could arrive.

Cody Clark (L) and Brock Ballou. Photo: MiLB

While driving along the North Carolina portion of the highway enroute to a Carolina Mudcats game in April, an RV just ahead of the A Advanced Carolina League umpiring crew blew a tire before slamming into a guardrail, rupturing its undercarriage and fuel line, and littering the road with debris, all while one of the loose tires had flown free and smashed into the umpires' own windshield.

After coming to a stop, Clark and Ballou ran to the disabled RV and found the door jammed while two off-duty detectives also traveling I-95 helped control traffic.

When the RV's cabin became exposed, one of the items that fell out of the vehicle was a tool box containing a wrench, which Clark used to smash open one of the RV's windows before climbing in and checking on the elderly couple and their three cats within.

H/T: In highway rescue, umps make the right call (MiLB)

MLB Ejection 023 - Chris Guccione (1; Joe Girardi)

3B Umpire Chris Guccione ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing a balk no-call in the top of the 4th inning of the Yankees-Orioles game. With two out and a runner on third, Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman delivered from Set Position to Yankees batter Carlos Beltran. Replays indicate Gausman stayed true to his natural pitching motion, the call was correct.* Original Ruling Appealed and Affirmed by UEFL Appeals Board (Balk/QOC: Correct). At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 1-0, in 10 innings.

This is Chris Guccione (68)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Chris Guccione now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 QOCY = 3).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*OBR Rule 6.02(a)(13) states it is a balk when, "The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop."

This is the 23rd ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 11th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Yankees' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, NYY, TB, TOR 1; BOS 0).
This is Joe Girardi's first ejection since September 20, 2015 (John Hirschbeck; QOC = U [DiMuro]).
This is Chris Guccione's first ejection since Sept 18, 2015 (Jeff Banister; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles, 5/5/16
Video: Gooch tosses Girardi between innings after the Bronx Bombers fail to score ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 022 - Vic Carapazza (1; Dexter Fowler)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Cubs CF Dexter Fowler for arguing strike calls in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Nationals-Cubs game. With two out and none on, Fowler took two consecutive 0-1 sinkers from Nationals pitcher Joe Ross for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh high (px .447, pz 2.621) and the 0-2 pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px .170, pz 3.577 [sz_bot 3.648]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0.

This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Vic Carapazza now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

This is the 22nd ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 12th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Fowler was 0-2 (2 SO).
This is the Cubs' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (CHC 1; CIN, MIL, PIT, STL 0).
This is Dexter Fowler's first career MLB ejection.
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since Oct 14, 2015 (Michael Saunders; QOC = U [Interference]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs, 5/5/16
Video: Fowler is tossed between innings after dugout complains about the strike zone ("Read more")