How should a fielder or a runner react to a potential lodged ball?
The Rangers and Astros played at Minute Maid on July 14, 2024. In the top of the first inning, the Rangers had Marcus Semien on first and no outs when Corey Seager, facing Ronel Blanco, bounced to Jon Singleton. The Astros first baseman threw to shortstop Jeremy Peña to force Semien. But Peña’s throw to…
Home Plate Collison Rule (No Violation)
The Red Sox and Marlins played in Miami on July 4, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 2-2, the Marlins had Jesús Sánchez on second base with one out when Xavier Edwards singled to center field. Sánchez attempted to score but was called when Jarren Duran made a strong throw…
Third Disengagement Balk
In the July 4, 2024 Rays-Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, the Rays were batting in the top of the first inning. They had Richie Palacios on second and Isaac Paredes on first with one out when Royals pitcher Alec Marsh failed to pick-off Palacios which was his third disengagement. A balk was called on Marsh…
Plate Umpire Interference
Plate umpire interference was called in back-to-back games on June 24-25, 2024 at Petco Park where the Nationals and Padres played. Both times the Nationals lost stolen bases which were critical because the Nats lost the June 24th game 7-6 in 10-innings and the following night they were defeated 9-7. Ruleball Comments Plate umpire interference is…
Failed Execution of a “Time Play” Proves Costly to the Yankees
The Red Sox and Yankees played in New York on July 5, 2024. In the bottom of the third with the Yankees winning 3-1, the Yanks had Anthony Volpe on third and DJ LeMahieu on first and one out when Ben Rice hit a sharp ground ball to Sox first baseman Romy González who stepped…
Illegal Tag of Detached Batting Helmet
The Blue Jays and Guardians played at Progressive Field on June 23, 2024. In the top of the first inning with the Jays leading 2-0, Justin Turner stole second base with a little help from his batting helmet. Turner attempted to advance to second base with George Springer at bat when Triston McKenzie made a…
Teammate Illegally Assists Runner
The A’s and Angels played in Anaheim on June 26, 2024. In the top of the second, the A’s had runners on first and second with two outs when Max Schuemann doubled home two runs. Unfortunately for the A’s, only one run counted. After going back to touch the plate, Bacon pointed at McCann and…
Two Right of Way Plays in MLB in 2024
Right of Way Play No. 1 Player Comes out of Dugout and Interferes with Fielder Rule 6.01 (b) rarely surfaces in the game of baseball. But it did in the June 9, 2024 game at Oakland where the A’s hosted the Blue Jays. The rule that is titled “Right of Way,” reads, “The players, coaches,…
Runner Interference on Infield Fly Rule Again in 2024 MLB Season
Twice in a span of six days in the 2024 MLB season, we had a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule situation. The most recent being a game on May 29, 2024 between the Yankees and Angels when Juan Soto was called for interference when the IFR was invoked. Because…
Runner’s Base Status Changes from Second to Third
The Braves hosted the Padres in the second game of a double header on May 20, 2024. In the top of the eighth, Pierce Johnson was on the mound for the Braves facing the Padres’ Jake Cronenworth with a 3-2 count. Luis Arráez was on second and Jurickson Profar was on first with two outs….
