August 2025 Question and Answer
Question #1 In the Red Sox-Angels game on June 23, 2025, it appeared that Angels’ third baseman Luis Rengifo had illegally blocked second base when tagging out Abraham Toro. Why wasn’t Rengifo called for obstruction in this play? Answer The Angels hosted the Red Sox on June 23rd. In the top of the fifth, the…
Nationals’ 2025 Catch/No Catch Trap Plays: Triple Play and Rare 7-3 Putout Spark Debate
The Washington Nationals have been involved in two catch/no catch trap plays during the 2025 season that have created interesting situations. The Mets and Nationals played at Nationals Park on April 25, 2025 when an unusual triple play took place. It was the second triple play of the season, joining the Rockies’ trifecta on April…
Controversial No Tag-Up Call at Chase Field: Orioles’ O’Neil Caught in Umpire Oversight
The Orioles and D’backs played at Chase Field on April 8, 2025. In the top of the seventh, the O’s had Cedric Mullins on third base, Tyler O’Neil on second, and Gary Sánchez on first, with one out when Jackson Holliday, facing Shelby Miller, lined out to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in left field. The D’backs’…
Catcher’s Interference Call Awards Blue Jays Run in D’backs Game
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…
Balk Call on Third Disengagement Fuels Rockies’ Run in Braves Game
The Braves hosted the Rockies on June 15th. In the top of the seventh, the Rockies had Jordan Beck on third and Tyler Freeman on first with one out. Hunter Goodman was at bat facing José Ruiz with a 1-2 count. Freeman made an early bluff to second base. This induced Ruiz to step back…
Obstruction Call at Second Base Sparks Brewers’ Rally vs Cardinals
The Brewers hosted the Cardinals on June 14, 2025. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers had Sal Frelick on first and no outs. Jackson Chourio was facing Andre Pallante with a 2-2 count. Chourio struck out swinging and it appeared that catcher Pedro Pagés threw out Frelick who attempted to steal second. But…
Obstruction Call Attempt Sparks Benches-Clearing Chaos in White Sox vs Orioles
The White Sox and Orioles played at Camden Yards on May 31, 2025, when a runner attempted to initiate an obstruction call. In the bottom of the fourth, the O’s had Ryan O’Hearn on second when Coby Mayo singled to left field. Joshua Palacios fielded the ball and fired home. The ball was cut off…
The Ohtani Rule
Curious about the Ohtani Rule? ⚾ In this video, we break down the special rule that lets Shohei Ohtani (and other two-way players) stay in the lineup as a hitter even after they’re done pitching. Learn why MLB created the rule, how it works, and what it means for the future of baseball strategy. From…
Inside the Hidden Ball Trick
The hidden ball trick in baseball can be a thrilling or humbling experience, depending on your role. For the fielder who executes this sly maneuver, it’s a moment of triumph. For the unsuspecting baserunner, it’s a lesson in embarrassment. Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh explains how to pull off the hidden ball trick, clarifies the…