John Tumpane

Expert Analysis

Pitchers Ejected Without Warning

Topics: Expert Analysis

If the umpires determine that a pitcher is intentionally throwing at a batter, they can eject a pitcher without warning, or they can toss both the manager and the pitcher per rule 6.02 (a) (9) following crew consultation. This past week two pitchers were ejected in such fashion. The first one occurred in the July…

Expert Analysis

Catchers Blocking the Plate in 2023 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

Catcher Legally blocks the Plate on Throw from Drawn-In Infielder The Royals hosted the Reds on June 12, 2023. In the top of the 10th, the Reds had TJ Friedl on third base and one out with the score tied 4-4 when Jonathan India hit a ground ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia who threw…

Expert Analysis

2023 Home Plate Collision and Pitcher Declaration

Topics: Rules Controversy

Regarding the Collison at Home Plate rule, the catcher has no restriction when receiving a throw from the pitcher or a drawn-in infielder. The following two plays illustrate those aspects of the rule. Catcher Receives Throw from the Pitcher The Nationals hosted the Guardians on April 15, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the…

Expert Analysis

Three Balks in the Same Inning!

Topics: Expert Analysis

Rule 6.02 (a) (13) reads, “If there is a runner or runners on base, it is a balk when the pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop.” Just when you think you’ve seen everything… In the bottom of the eighth inning of the Marlins-Mets game on September 27, 2022 at…

Expert Analysis

David Ross Ejected for Arguing Double Set (Balk)

Topics: Balk

The Mets and Cubs played at Wrigley on July 14th. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Cubs had Nico Hoerner on first base with two outs when Cubs manager David Ross claimed that Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco was making a double Set which is a balk. Ross argued with third base ump John…

Expert Analysis

Can Teammates Assist a Runner to First Base?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Rangers-Orioles game on July 4th in Baltimore ended on an intriguing note. With the score tied 6-6, Rougned Odor led off the 10th with a bunt single off Rangers’ pitcher Matt Moore that advanced automatic runner Austin Hays to third. Moore then intentionally walked Ramón Urías to load the bases before hitting Luis Mateo…

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