MLB Ejections 164-165: Brian Knight (1-2; Fuld, Melvin)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Athletics CF Sam Fuld and Manager Bob Melvin for arguing an interference (runner's lane) call in the top of the 5th inning of the Athletics-Orioles game. With two out and none on, Fuld bunted a 0-0 fastball from Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman on the ground to catcher Caleb Joseph, who threw to first baseman Chris Davis. Replays indicate Joseph's throw hit Fuld and that Fuld had run the entire distance from home plate to first base in fair territory and outside of the runner's lane at 45-feet, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Orioles were leading, 3-1. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

These are Brian Knight (91)'s first and second ejections of 2015.
Brian Knight now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 7).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has -4 points in Crew Division (-6 Previous + 2 Correct Call = -4).

Replays indicate Fuld ran on the infield grass.

*Relevant Rule: 5.09(a)(11) (2014 OBR Rule 6.05(k)): Batter is out when, "In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead." The rule's comment permits the batter-runner to exit the three-foot lane "in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base." However, all interpretations of this rule state that the batter-runner loses the protection afforded by the comment if he had not been running in the lane to begin with (e.g., if he never actually "exited" the lane because he wasn't ever within the lane; the courtesy of protection is only afforded to runners actually exiting the lane).
Jim Evans: "A runner who has advanced the entire distance from home plate to first in fair territory making no effort to run within the lane is not extended the same leniency as the runner who runs in the lane as required and then cuts into fair territory near the base to touch it."
Harry Wendelstedt addresses quality of the throw: "The determination is not whether the throw is true, but whether it could still reasonably retire the runner."

These are the 164th and 165th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 74th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Fuld was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 77th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Athletics' 4th ejection of 2015, 3rd in the AL West (HOU, SEA 5; OAK 4; LAA, TEX 3).
This is Sam Fuld's first career MLB ejection.
This is Bob Melvin's 3rd ejection of 2015, 1st since July 22 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since August 7, 2014 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Baltimore Orioles, 8/17/15
Video: Fuld and Melvin are tossed arguing the RLI call; Oakland broadcasters bemoan Knight (OAK)

MLB Ejection 163: Dan Iassogna (3; Pat Murphy)

3B Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Padres Interim Manager Pat Murphy for arguing a balk non-call (reversed balk) made by 2B Umpire John Tumpane in the top of the 6th inning of the Padres-Rockies game. With two out and three on, Rockies pitcher Chris Rusin was called for a balk by Tumpane, who reversed the ruling after consultation with umpires Iassogna, Lance Barrett (1B) and CB Bucknor (HP). Replays indicate Rusin began his natural motion and continued delivery to home plate out of Windup Position and therefore did not violate balk provisions pertaining to the no-stop restriction that is applicable to Set Position, the (no-)call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 1-0. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 5-0.

This is Dan Iassogna (58)'s third ejection of 2015.
Dan Iassogna now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 11).
Crew Chief Dan Iassogna now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

*Rusin's continuous motion is legal if he pitches from Windup Position, but illegal with runners on base (a balk) if delivered from Set Position as a pitcher must stop with runners on base when bringing hands together (coming set) if using Set Position. Relevant Rule is 5.07(a) in 2015 OBR, or 8.01 in 2014 OBR.
Windup Position: Established by (1) facing the batter, (2) pivot foot in contact with pitcher's plate/rubber, (3) the other foot is free. The free foot may be placed on the rubber, in front of the rubber, behind the rubber, or off to the side of the rubber. "From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration."
Set Position: Established by (1) facing the batter, (2) pivot foot in contact with pitcher's plate/rubber, (3) other for in front of pitcher's plate, (4) holding the ball with both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. A pitcher may not come Set after starting in Windup.
The Stretch: If a pitcher makes "any natural preliminary motion," he shall assume Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter.
In other words, a natural movement associated with delivery of the ball to the batter is a component associated with Windup Position; a natural preliminary motion that is distinct from a natural movement associated with delivery is a component of Set Position.
From the MLB Umpire Manual: A pitcher may assume Windup Position by "facing the batter, hands apart, pivot foot in contact with the rubber, other foot free." Both feet must be squarely on the ground, and the pitcher is not required to assume a stationary position ("pause") before delivery if "any natural movement associated with the start of [his] delivery committees the pitcher to pitch."
In other words, Tumpane called Rusin for a no-stop balk which would be the proper call had Rusin pitched out of Set Position. The decision to reverse the call was made after the crew determined Rusin was actually in Windup Position and, thus, not required to stop (and actually obliged by rule not to stop).
Note About Rules Differences (NFHS/NCAA/OBR): Pat Murphy, having last managed at the "big league" level (D1 or MLB) under NCAA rules, may be unfamiliar with the professional designation regarding Windup and Set-related balks. For instance, NFHS put out a POE on balking illegal hybrid stances while NFHS Rule 6.1.2 has umpires draw an imaginary line through the front edge of the pitcher's plate to determine whether the free foot is legally positioned (it must be even with or behind the line), while prior to 2015, NCAA Rule 9-1-a specifically stated in regards to Windup Position that, "The pitcher’s entire free foot shall not be in front of the pivot foot." Only in 2015 did NCAA change its rule to "with the other foot free." OBR/Pro obviously does not have the "not be in front of" restriction (quite the opposite, it explicitly allows the free foot to be placed in nearly any place relative to the pivot, and has for many years). This is one of several key rules differences that until very recently existed between College/Pro and still does exist between High School and the higher levels. In fact, when the NCAA Rules Committee changed Rule 9-1-a prior to 2015, it wrote in its rationale that the "other foot free" proposal "aligns more closely with the MLB pitcher windup position rule."

This is the 163rd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 76th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Padres' 14th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL West (SD 14; LAD 7; SF 5; COL 4; ARI 3).
This is Pat Murphy's 3rd ejection of 2015, 1st since August 10 (Tony Randazzo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Dan Iassogna's first ejection since June 1, 2015 (Bud Black; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies, 8/16/15
Video: Tumpane calls Rusin for a no-stop balk, but takes it back after ruling Windup Position (COL)

MLB Ejection 162: Quinn Wolcott (2; Salvador Perez)

HP Umpire Quinn Wolcott ejected Royals C Salvador Perez for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Angels-Royals game. With none out and none on, Perez took a 1-2 sinker from Angels pitcher Hector Santiago for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located along the inner edge of home plate and knee high (px -.926, pz 1.648 [sz_bot 1.610]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is Quinn Wolcott (81)'s second ejection of 2015.
Quinn Wolcott now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 10).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 12 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 12).

This is the 162nd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 73rd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Perez was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Royals' 11th ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL Central (KC 11; CWS, DET 6; CLE 5; MIN 3).
This is Salvador Perez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Quinn Wolcott's first ejection since April 26, 2015 (Bob Melvin; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Kansas City Royals, 8/16/15
Video: Wolcott's third strike call draws ire of Perez, who is ejected after a prolonged argument (ESPN)

MLB Ejection 161: Doug Eddings (3; Ian Kinsler)

HP Umpire Doug Eddings ejected Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Tigers-Astros game. With one out and one on, Tigers batter Jose Iglesias took a 2-2 sinker from Astros pitcher Chad Qualls for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and knee high (px -.129, pz 1.713 [sz_bot 1.46]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 5-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Doug Eddings (88)'s third ejection of 2015.
Doug Eddings now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 7).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 10 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 10).

This is the 161st ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 72nd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Kindler was 0-4 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Tigers' 6th ejection of 2015, T-2nd in the AL Central (KC 10; CWS, DET 6; CLE 5; MIN 3).
This is Ian Kinsler's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since July 19 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Doug Eddings' first ejection since June 12, 2015 (Adrian Gonzalez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros, 8/16/15
Video: Kinsler barks at Eddings about the strike zone and is tossed during the 7th inning stretch (HOU)

MLB Ejection 160: Cory Blaser (2; Steve McCatty)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Nationals Pitching Coach Steve McCatty for arguing ball calls in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Nationals-Giants game. With none out and one on, Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez walked Giants batters Hector Sanchez and Jake Peavy. Replays indicate all nine pitches ruled 'ball' by Blaser to Sanchez, Peavy and preceding batter Kelby Tomlinson were correctly officiated (100% Accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 2-0. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 12-6.

This is Cory Blaser (89)'s second ejection of 2015.
Cory Blaser now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (-5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = -1).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 160th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the Nationals' 7th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL East (WAS 7; NYM, PHI 4; ATL 3; MIA 2).
This is Steve McCatty's first ejection since August 3, 1984 (Larry Young; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Cory Blaser's first ejection since June 14, 2015 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants, 8/15/15
Video: McCatty disagrees with Blaser's zone after a mound visit and gets run for the objection (WAS)

MLB Ejection 159: Fieldin Culbreth (2; Craig Counsell)

2B Umpire Fieldin Culbreth ejected Brewers Manager Craig Counsell for arguing a Replay Review decision that overturned Culbreth's out call in the top of the 7th inning of the Phillies-Brewers game. With two out and two on, Brewers pitcher Will Smith attempted to pick off Phillies baserunner R2 Chase Utley at second base on a throw to Brewers shortstop Jean Segura. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin, Culbreth's out call was overturned and Utley was ruled safe, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Fieldin Culbreth (25)'s second ejection of 2015.
Fieldin Culbreth now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 9).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 7).

This is the 159th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 75th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Brewers' 6th ejection of 2015, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 7; CHC, MIL 6; STL 5).
This is Craig Counsell's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since July 27 (Gerry Davis; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Fieldin Culbreth's first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Pat Murphy; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 8/15/15
Video: Utley's spike tangles with the fielder's glove and he is ruled safe; Counsell gets tossed (PHI)

MLB Ejection 158: Joe West (7; Robin Ventura)

HP Umpire Joe West ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing ball calls in the top of the 7th inning of the Cubs-White Sox game. With two out and one on, White Sox pitcher Zach Duke walked Cubs batter Kris Bryant and surrendered a single to Anthony Rizzo on a 3-2 fastball. Replays indicate all 10 pitches ruled 'ball' by West to Bryant, Rizzo and preceding batter Kyle Schwarber were correctly officiated (100% Accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 5-2. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Joe West (22)'s seventh ejection of 2015.
Joe West now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 7).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 15 points in Crew Division (14 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 15).

This is the 158th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 74th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the White Sox' 6th ejection of 2015, 2nd in the AL Central (KC 10; CWS 6; CLE, DET 5; MIN 3).
This is Robin Ventura's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since June 17 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = Y [Interference]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since August 2, 2015 (Marlon Byrd; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox, 8/15/15
Video: Ventura has words for West during a pitching change and is thrown out of the game (CWS)

MLB Ejection 157: Bill Miller (2; AJ Hinch)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Astros Manager AJ Hinch for arguing a Replay Review decision that overturned 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson's out (catch) call in the top of the 5th inning of the Tigers-Astros game. With two out and one on, Tigers batter Ian Kindler hit a 2-1 cutter from Astros pitcher Collin McHugh on a line drive to left field, where left fielder Preston Tucker attempted to catch the ball. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus, Johnson's ruling was overturned and baserunner R2 Anthony Gose was awarded home plate, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 1-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 4-2, in 11 innings.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first ejection of 2015.
Bill Miller now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 3 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 9).

This is the 157th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Astros' 5th ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, SEA 5; LAA, OAK, TEX 3).
This is AJ Hinch's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since June 20 (Mike DiMuro; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Bill Miller's first ejection since May 6, 2015 (Walt Weiss; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros, 8/15/15
Video: Kinsler is credited with an RBI single after a hustling Gose is awarded home (DET)
Video: After the outfield call is overturned, Hinch is ejected arguing its runner placement (HOU)

Tom Hallion Takes Direct Shot to Mask, Remains in Game

Struck by a pitch in the facemask, HP Umpire Tom Hallion was able to remain in Wednesday's Rangers-Twins game. With none out and one on in the top of the 2nd inning, Rangers batter Elvis Andrus took a 1-1 fastball from Twins pitcher Ervin Santana for a ball. Replays indicate the 91 mph pitch struck Hallion on the lower left jaw/ear portion of his traditional-style Wilson mask.

After attention from Twins training staff and discussion with other umpires, Hallion remained in the game.

Video: Hallion stays in the game after taking a direct shot from Santana's fastball to the facemask (MIN)

2015 No-Hitter 4, Jeff Nelson (1; Hisashi Iwakuma)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson called Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma's no-hitter, the fourth of 2015. Crew Chief Nelson was joined for Wednesday's Orioles-Mariners game by Laz Diaz (1B), Chris Guccione (2B), and Cory Blaser (3B). This is Nelson's first career no-hitter; crewmate Diaz most recently served as first base umpire for Tim Lincecum's no-hitter on July 14, 2013 (Plate Umpire Mark Wegner).

Wednesday's is the first MLB no-hitter since July 25, 2015 (Phil Cuzzi; Cole Hamels).

Nelson received 53 callable pitches from Iwakuma, a total of 39 balls and 14 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 38 called balls outside of strike zone / 1 called balls within strike zone = 38/39 = 97.4% Accuracy.
Strikes: 11 called strikes inside strike zone / 3 called strikes outside strike zone = 11/14 = <90.0% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score = 49/53 = 92.5% Accuracy (+2 for Iwakuma).

Pitch f/x plot courtesy Brooks Baseball.
Note: This plot is a graphical approximation of the strike zone and is not the basis for analysis.