Catcher Interference Overturns White Sox Pickoff Against Nationals
The Nationals and White Sox played on April 24, 2026, at Guaranteed Rate Field. In the top of the fifth inning, the Nationals had Nasim Nuñez on third and Luis Garcia Jr. on first with no outs. Drew Millas was facing Erick Fedde with no count. On the first pitch, White Sox catcher Edgar Quero picked off Nuñez (2-5-2-5). However, Nationals manager Blake Butera challenged for catcher’s interference.
The umpires, along with crew chief Lance Barksdale, huddled and determined that Quero made contact with Millas’ bat. Catcher’s interference was called on Quero, Millas was awarded first base, Garcia Jr. was sent to second, and Nuñez was returned to third.
Ruleball Comments
- Although the bat might have made contact with the catcher’s mitt a bit late, this was the proper ruling because Millas’ bat made contact with Quero’s catcher’s mitt.
- In such plays, umpires will always protect the batter because of the belief that the batter has a right to an uninterrupted swing.
- When catcher’s interference occurs, the batter is awarded first base and other runners advance only if forced.
- Garcia Jr. was sent to second base, and Nuñez remained on third base.
- If Millas had put the ball in play and all runners advanced one base, the interference would have been nullified.
- If Millas had put the ball in play, but not all runners advanced one base on the play, Butera would have had the option of taking the play or the penalty. For example, if Millas hit a ground ball to second base and was out 4-3, but Nuñez scored on the play, Butera would have the option of trading the out for the run.
- When the manager has an option, he must initiate the meeting with the plate umpire. If he doesn’t, the umpire will invoke the rule — the batter will be awarded first base and other runners will advance only if forced.
- Catcher’s interference is reviewable.
Rich Marazzi
Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and Chicago Sports Network
