baseball rules

Expert Analysis

Illegal Tag of Detached Batting Helmet

Topics: Equipment

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…

Expert Analysis

Teammate Illegally Assists Runner

Topics: Batter 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…

Expert Analysis

Two Right of Way Plays in MLB in 2024

Topics: Batter Runner

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,…

Expert Analysis

Runner Interference on Infield Fly Rule Again in 2024 MLB Season

Topics: Infield Fly

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…

Expert Analysis

Runner’s Base Status Changes from Second to Third

Topics: Batter Runner

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….

Expert Analysis

Rare Interference on Infield Fly Rule

Topics: Infield Fly

The May 23, 2024 Orioles-White Sox game ended on a controversial note when a rare interference, Infield Fly rule ended in a double play. Here is what happened: The White Sox trailing 8-6 had Andrew Vaughn on second base and Gavin Sheets on first base with one out when Andrew Benintendi, facing Craig Kimbrel, hit…

Expert Analysis

Tampa Bay Rays Forced to Make a Pitching Change

Topics: Rules Controversy

The Rays and Red Sox played at Fenway on May 16, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth the Rays led the Sox 7-5. The Sox had Rob Refsnyder on third and Rafael Devers on first and two outs. Jason Adam was on the mound for the Rays ready to face Romy Gonzalez. Pitching coach…

Expert Analysis

Umpire Loses the Count on the Batter

Topics: Incorrect Ball/Strike Count

The Mets hosted the Phillies on May 13, 2024. In the top of the tenth, the Phils had Bryce Harper on third and no outs. Nick Castellanos was at bat facing Sean Reid-Foley. It appeared that Castellanos walked following a 3-2 count but there was disagreement among the umpires regarding the count. As Castellanos headed…

Expert Analysis

2024 Catcher’s Interference on the Rise

Topics: Catcher Interference

Catcher’s Interference: 5.05 (b) (3); 6.01 (c) Catcher’s interference has increased exponentially over the years. In 2002 there were 9 such calls the entire season. In 2022 there were 74 violations and in 2023 there were 97. According to MLB, in 2023 there were 64 challenges following a “no interference” call by the plate umpire…

Expert Analysis

Should Infielders Blocking a Base Obstruction Be Reviewable?

Topics: Batter Runner

Play No. 1 The Yankees and Guardians played a split doubleheader in Cleveland on April 13, 2024. In the top of the third of the first game, the Yankees had Juan Soto on first base and no outs when Aaron Judge flied to Tyler Freeman in short center field. Freeman, seeing Soto was a good…

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