The Blue Jays hosted the D’backs on June 18, 2025. In the bottom of the third, the Jays had the bases loaded and two outs with George Springer at bat facing Eduardo Rodriguez. On a 2-0 count Springer swung and missed but was awarded first base because D’backs’ catcher José Herrera was called for catcher’s interference by plate ump John Bacon. Tyler Heineman scored on the play giving the Jays a 2-0 lead in a game they would win, 8-1.
Springer was not charged with an at bat and Herrera was charged with an error.

Ruleball Comments

• Catcher’s interference has been on the rise the last several years because catchers are setting close to the batter to frame pitches and save strikes.
• Looking at the whole picture the cumulative reward of gaining strikes for the pitcher for a whole season is probably greater than the penalty imposed by the catcher’s interference rule.
• But in late inning pressure situations, catchers should be aware of their positioning in proximity to the batter when the bases are loaded since the opposing team will get a run. In the above play, the penalty was insignificant. The above play was not a late inning pressure situation, and the call did not impact the outcome of the game.
• When catcher’s interference is called, if the ball is not put in play, the ball is dead, and the batter is awarded first base. Other runners on base advance one base only if forced.
• If the ball is put in play the umpire points to the interference but keeps the ball alive. If all runners, including the batter-runner advance one base, the interference is nullified. If all runners do not advance one base when the ball is put in play, the manager of the offensive team has the option of taking the play or the penalty, but he must initiate the meeting with the plate umpire to declare his option. If he doesn’t, the plate umpire will carry out the penalty aspect of the rule.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and Chicago Sports Network