Major League Debut of Umpire Nic Lentz (59)

Umpire Nic Lentz makes his MLB debut during the Nationals-Marlins game on April 20 in Miami, joining Hunter Wendelstedt's crew* and serving as the first base umpire alongside HP Umpire Wendelstedt, 2B Umpire Scott Barry, and 3B Umpire Tripp Gibson.

Lentz is on the International League roster for the 2016 season, which is his third season in the IL and in Triple-A (2014-16 IL). He has also worked the Arizona, Florida Instructional, New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Arizona Instructional, Eastern and Venezuelan and Arizona Fall Leagues, in addition to MLB Spring Training.

Lentz wears the uniform number 59 at the Major League level, which was last worn by Jon Byrne, and makes his MLB debut at the age of 26. He resides in Holland, Michigan and is the first new fill-in umpire to make his debut this season.

*Lentz is officiating in place of veteran crew chief Jerry Layne, who injured himself during Tuesday's game. In an attempt to avoid being hit by a batted ball, 1B Umpire Layne jumped and landed awkwardly, appearing to injure his right leg.

MLB Ejection 006 - Brian Gorman (1; Andy Green)

3B Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Padres Manager Andy Green for arguing a balk call by HP Umpire Mark Carlson in the top of the 3rd inning of the Pirates-Padres game. With two out and two on, Padres pitcher Colin Rea prepared to throw a 0-1 pitch to Pirates batter Francisco Cervelli. Replays indicate Rea appeared to deviate from his natural pitching motion and break contact with the pitching rubber during his delivery (illegal pitch), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Brian Gorman (9)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Gorman now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Y-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).
*Rule 6.02(a)(5) states that a balk occurs when, "the pitcher makes an illegal pitch." Rule 5.07(a)(1), concerning Windup Position, and 5.07(a)(2) concerning Set Position both state, "Any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption." Because F1 Rea altered his natural motion during delivery, the pitch was illegal pursuant to 5.07(a), and, thus, a balk pursuant to 6.02(a)(5).

This is the sixth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 3rd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Padres' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL West (LAD, SD 1; ARI, COL, SD, SF 0).
This is Andy Green's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian Gorman's first ejection since June 4, 2015 (Buck Showalter; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres (National League Baseball), 4/19/16
Video: Green argues the initial balk call, reversal, and reinstatement to get ejected ("Read more")
Video: Andy Green's post-game statement (SD)

Featured MiLB Ejection - Ron Teague (2 Aces, 1st Inning)

HP Umpire Ron Teague ejected Reno Aces P Archie Bradley & Manager Phil Nevin for arguing a ball four call in the top of the 1st inning of the Isotopes-Aces game. With two out and two on, Isotopes batter Jeff Bianchi took a 3-2 fastball from Bradley for a called fourth ball. During the Nevin's ensuing mound visit and pitching change, Bradley and Nevin were ejected from the game. Replays indicate the pitch was located around the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (px unavailable), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 3-0. The Isotopes ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

Wrap: Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Reno Aces (Pacific Coast League Baseball), 4/12/16
Video: Bradley and skipper Nevin are tossed in the top of the 1st inning (RNO)

Roster - 2016 Pacific Coast League Umpires

The 2016 MiLB Pacific Coast League Umpire Roster is available and appears below:

Ryan Blakney - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2015.*
John Bostwick - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Seth Buckminster - PCL Rookie, Previously International League (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2014.*
Mike Cascioppo - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
William Cunha - First promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2015.
Matt Czajak - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
Ramon De Jesus - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern Lg in 2014. MLB Fill-In Since 2016.*
Travis Eggert - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.*
Clint Fagan - PCL Rookie, Previously in the International League (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2011.*
Blake Felix - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Bryan Fields - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Chris Gonzalez - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2014.
Adam Hamari - PCL Rookie, Previously International Lg (AAA). MLB Fill-In Since 2013.*
Pat Hoberg - Major League Baseball Fill-in Since 2014.*
Javerro "J.J." January - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Anthony "A.J." Johnson - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*
John Libka - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Nick Mahrley - First Promoted to the PCL from the Eastern League in 2014.
Gabe Morales - Major League Baseball Fill-in Since 2014.*
Thomas Newsom - First Promoted to the PCL from the Southern League in 2013.
Alex Ortiz - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2013.*
Clay Park - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Texas League (AA).
Garrett Patterson - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Southern League (AA).
Albert Ruiz - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2014.
Stu Scheurwater - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*
Ron Teague - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Brett Terry - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Junior Valentine - AAA & PCL Rookie, Promoted from the Eastern League (AA).
Nathan White - First Promoted to the PCL from the Texas League in 2015.
Thomas Woodring - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014.*

Of these 30 umpires, nine were promoted to AAA in 2016, while three additional newcomers are transfers from the International League. 10 PCL umpires are MLB fill-ins and 12 umpires (including all potential big league call-ups and denoted by an asterisk [*]) have experience in the Arizona Fall League.

MLB Ejection 005 - Rob Drake (1; Justin Upton)

HP Umpire Rob Drake ejected Tigers LF Justin Upton for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Tigers-Astros game. With two out and one on, Upton took a 1-2 slider from Astros pitcher Pat Neshek for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.169, pz 3.492 [sz_top 3.510]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 5-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Rob Drake (30)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Rob Drake now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 4).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the fifth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 3rd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Upton was 0-4 in the contest (2 SO).
This is the Tigers' 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (DET 2; MIN 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Justin Upton's first ejection since May 23, 2015 (Clint Fagan; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Rob Drake's first ejection since June 27, 2015 (Brett Oberholtzer; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros (American League Baseball), 4/17/16
Video: Upton throws his bat after striking out and is tossed heading into the stretch ("Read more")

Injury - Hirschbeck Exits After Foul Ball to Throat

John Hirschbeck left Friday's Rockies-Cubs game after a foul-to-throat incident in the top of the 8th inning, when Rockies batter Tony Wolters' foul ball of a 93 mph fastball bounced off the Chicago dirt and directly up to Hirschbeck's neck, appearing to carom upward and underneath the traditional facemask's throat guard extension.

After a brief delay and evaluation by training staff, crewmate Clint Fagan retreated to the umpire's room and changed into his plate gear, replacing Hirschbeck shortly thereafter as the crew reverted to three-person mechanics.

Marvin Hudson, who officiated Friday in Pittsburgh, joined the Chicago-NL crew on Saturday, replacing the injured Hirschbeck, as Tony Basner was called up to Pittsburgh to replace Hudson.

Hirschbeck previously left a 2013 game after being hit in the wrist by an errant pitch in Philadelphia.

Roster - 2016 MiLB International League Umpires

The 2016 MiLB International League Umpire Roster appears below and features:

Ryan Additon (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in the Southern League (2014-15).
Joey Amaral (3rd yr AAA) - Previously in the Eastern League (2011-13) prior to the IL (2013-).
John Bacon (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in the Eastern League (2013-15).
Jonathan Bailey (3rd yr AAA) - Previously in Southern & Dominican Lg (2012-13) prior to IL (2014-).
Sean Barber (5th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014. AFL (2012-13, 2015).
Toby Basner (7th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2012. AFL (2009-10, 2015).
Joe Born (3rd yr AAA) - Previously in the Eastern League (2011-13) prior to IL (2014-).
Ryan Clark (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in the Eastern League (2013-15).
Eric Gillam (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in the Eastern League (2013-15).
Max Guyll (4th yr AAA) - Previously in the Eastern League (2010-12) prior to IL (2013-).
Nic Lentz (3rd yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2016. AFL (2014-15).
Shane Livensparger (2nd yr AAA) - Previously in Southern League (2013-14) prior to IL (2015-).
Ben May (5th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014. AFL (2012, 15).
Matt McCoy (2nd yr AAA) - Previously in Southern League (2012-14) prior to IL (2015-).
Dan Merzel (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in Eastern League (2013-15).
Derek Mollica (3rd yr AAA) - Previously Southern League (2012-13) prior to IL (2014-). AFL (2014).
Robert Moreno (2nd yr AAA) - Previously in Eastern League (2014) prior to IL (2015-).
Roberto Ortiz (3rd yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously PCL (2014-15). MLB Since 2016. AFL (2015).
James Rackley (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in Southern League (2014-15).
Jeremie Rehak (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in Eastern League (2014-15).
Jeremy Riggs (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in Southern League (2013-15).
Chris Segal (6th yr AAA) - IL Rook, Previously PCL (2011-15). MLB Since 2014. AFL (2011-12, 15).
Carlos Torres (4th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2015. AFL (2014-15).
Alex Tosi (1st yr AAA) - IL Rookie, Previously in Eastern League (2014-15).
John Tumpane (8th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2011. AFL (2005, 2007-09).
Jansen Visconti (2nd yr AAA) - Previously in Eastern League (2013-14) prior to IL (2014-).
Chad Whitson (6th yr AAA) - Major League Baseball Fill-In Since 2014. AFL (2011-12, 2015).

Of these 27 umpires, nine were promoted to AAA in 2016, while the 10th and 11th International League newcomer are transfers from the Pacific Coast League. Nine IL umpires are MLB fill-ins while 10 have Arizona Fall League experience (including all nine MLB fill-ins).

Former International League Umpires presently on the full-time MLB staff include: Jordan Baker, Lance Barksdale, Lance Barrett, Scott Barry, Dan Bellino, C.B. Bucknor, Vic Carapazza, Mark Carlson, Chris Conroy, Fieldin Culbreth, Phil Cuzzi, Kerwin Danley, Laz Diaz, Doug Eddings, Paul Emmel, Mike Estabrook, Chad Fairchild, Marty Foster, Greg Gibson, Manny Gonzalez, Ed Hickox, John Hirshbeck, Sam Holbrook, James Hoye, Marvin Hudson, Dan Iassogna, Adrian Johnson, Jim Joyce, Jeff Kellogg, Will Little, Jerry Meals, Bill Miller, Paul Nauert, Brian O’Nora, Alan Porter, David Rackley, D.J. Reyburn, Jim Reynolds, Tim Timmons, Larry Vanover, Mark Wegner, Bill Welke, Hunter Wendelstedt.

Case Play 2016-2, Ball in the Pocket [Solved]

Does a hidden ball trick work if the baseball hides in a pocket? Such is the question prompted by a comedic Astros antic in Milwaukee on Sunday.

The Play: With one out and none on, batter Chris Carter hits a double to left field, fielded by left fielder Preston Tucker and thrown back to infielder Jose Altuve. As Altuve walks past batter-runner Carter standing on second base, he places the baseball behind his back and into his pants pocket. Carter remains on the base and Altuve subsequently retrieves the ball and throws it back to pitcher Dallas Keuchel.

Question: Using professional rules (and foregoing common sense, if applicable), what should 2B Umpire Tom Hallion's call have been if Carter, duped by the hidden ball trick, stepped off of second base and was tagged with the ball by Altuve?

Answer: The play is not specifically covered by any one particular rule, but we can piece together several points of information to adjudicate this play. Common sense likely dictates calling "Time" and placing the runner back at second base. Forgoing common sense, however, leads us to the issue of whether a fielder can place a live ball in his uniform pocket and subsequently retrieve the ball to tag out a runner. MLB Umpire Manual interpretation "Ball Going Into Player's Uniform" states, "If a batted or thrown ball inadvertently goes inside a player or coach's uniform...the umpire shall call 'Time.' He will, using common sense and fair play, place all runners in such a manner that, in the umpire's judgment, will nullify the action of the ball going out of play. In no case may any outs be recorded on such play."

Although this is decidedly not a case of an "inadvertently" created situation, the ball nonetheless is dead (defined as "a ball out of play") at the moment it goes inside the player's uniform pocket. Accordingly, we take stock of the situation at the moment the ball becomes dead: The runner is standing on second base not intending to advance; accordingly, the proper call is to place the runner on second base and resume play with one out and one on.

Note that this play does not involve a detached uniform piece or equipment, as in Rule 5.06(b), which means the base awards for a batted or thrown ball do not apply. Nor does this play involve a pitched live ball becoming lodged in catcher paraphernalia, meaning the associated base award does not apply.

Click through for the video and Case Play specifics:

Infield Fly and a Double Play - Back to Basics for Phillies

Baseball's infield fly rule is not Philadelphia's friend, at least not after the Phillies managed to run themselves into two double plays in less than a week during infield fly plays. Seeing as remedial baseball education seems to be in order at the sport's highest level (at least for Philadelphia), we shall once again review the infield fly rule. First, the definition:

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.

The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. 

To summarize, there are three key considerations or criteria that must be satisfied in order for the infield fly rule (IFR) to potentially apply. All three criteria must be met in order for the IFR to be called, and the call of infield fly, mechanized by pointing upward and announcing "Infield Fly!" or "Infield Fly, If Fair!" if there is a question as to whether the fly ball will land in foul or fair territory, is made as soon as all three criteria are adjudged to have been met and the batter is out upon this call:

Criteria That Must Be Satisfied for the Infield Fly Rule to be Invoked
(1) First & second base must be occupied with less than two out (third may or may not be occupied).
(2) The batter must hit a fair fly ball (a ball hit into the air), which is not a line drive nor a bunt, that;
(3) In the umpire's judgment, can be caught by an infielder (F1 - F6) employing ordinary effort.

Confusion over the infield fly rule has produced either near-miss or successfully-executed double plays on a nearly annual basis over the past few seasons and, already, the young 2016 season is turning out to be no different. Here are the two plays that testify as to the Phillies' lack of infield fly rules knowledge.

New York (PHI-NYM), 4/8/16: With one out and runners on first and second, Phillies batter Odubel Herrera hit a fly ball to the pitcher's mound, where Mets third baseman David Wright attempted to catch the pop-up as HP Umpire Paul Nauert, having noticed that (1) first and second base were occupied with less than two out, (2) the batter hit a fair fly ball, and (3) F5 Wright had the opportunity to catch the ball with ordinary effort, signaled "Infield Fly" (Batter Out) as the ball descended toward Wright. Instead, Wright could not catch the ball, which bounced on the ground for Wright to retrieve. Upon picking up the ball, Wright turned his attention towards first base, where Phillies baserunner R1 Cesar Hernandez left the bag in a half-hearted attempt to take second, as if he had been forced. After a brief rundown, Hernandez was tagged out for the third out of the inning.

Philadelphia (SD-PHI), 4/11/16: With none out and the bases loaded, Phillies batter Darin Ruf hit a fly ball to left field, where Padres shortstop Alexei Ramirez retreated in an attempt to catch the batted ball. 3B Umpire Will Little, having noticed that (1) first and second [and third!] base were occupied with less than two out, and, (2) the batter hit a fair fly ball, ruled (3) F6 Ramirez could catch the ball with ordinary effort and accordingly called "Infield Fly" (Batter Out) while the ball was in the air and on its way down towards Ramirez. As it turns out, Ramirez did not catch the ball, which fell to the ground. Phillies baserunner R3 Cesar Hernandez (the same one as before), who had gone back to third base to tag up in case of a caught ball, fortuitously (for Philly) ran home and scored, while R2 Odubel Herrera (also, the same one as before), who either did not see U3 Little's call or still does not know the infield fly rule and didn't learn it since the 8th, ran towards third base, where he was tagged out by Padres third baseman Alexi Amarista barely before stepping on the bag, a call confirmed by replay review as the result of a challenge by Phillies Manager Pete Makanin.

SIDEBAR: Ted Barrett, Crew Chief during the Padres-Phillies play on 4/11/16, also presided over an infield fly no-call double play during a 2013 Twins-Angels game. During that game, HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski declined to call the infield fly during a none out, first-and-second infield fly ball situation because he ruled that Angels pitcher Ernesto Frieri (who was an infielder for the purposes of IFR) was unable to catch the ball with ordinary effort. For more information on ordinary effort, see STL-ATL Infield Fly (NL Wild Card): Why Call was Correct, and specifically, "a shortstop tracking a fly ball into left field and preparing himself to make a play or attempt prior to the ball arriving, as in the STL-ATL play, constitutes ordinary effort."

Note to MLB teams in eastern Pennsylvania: Please read the rule book, or least the one about infield flies.

MLB Ejection 004 - John Hirschbeck (1; Miguel Sano)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Twins RF Miguel Sano for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Twins-Royals game. With two out and none on, Sano took a 1-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px 1.187*, pz 2.055), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 3-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
John Hirschbeck now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = -2).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).
*Px would have to had been less than |.916| in order for the pitch to have been a strike.

This is the fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 2nd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Sano was 1-4 in the contest (3 SO).
This is the Twins' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the AL Central (DET, MIN 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Miguel Sano's first career MLB ejection.
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since October 19, 2015 (Troy Tulowitzki; QOC = Y [B/S]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals (American League Baseball), 4/10/16
Video: Sano argues a strike three call, points to the plate, and is run out of the game ("Read more")