Luis Castillo “No-Step Balk”
While pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 14, 2022, Reds pitcher, Luis Castillo was called for a “no-step” balk. Home plate umpire, Lance Barrett, saw the infraction when Castillo failed to step towards first base on a pick-off throw. The balk cost the Reds a run in a game they eventually lost, 3 – 1 to the Pirates.
dg, you are right
I agree with the balk call. In real time this is not a distinct step-off then throw – it appears to be a jump move without the step thus balk. In slo mo we see the first move is with the free foot moving backwards first and then then step off then throw – still a balk since free foot moved first.
dg
I disagree with the balk call. Castillo clearly steps off the rubber with his pivot foot, therefore has become a fielder without the obligation to make a clear step towards 1B.
JH