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…
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…
Runner Called Out for Running Out of the Baseline
The Guardians and Royals played in Kansas City on June 27, 2024. In the bottom of the fifth, the Royals had Nick Loftin on second base and Hunter Renfroe at bat with two outs when Renfroe hit a ground ball to José Ramírez at third base. Ramirez did not think he had a play at…
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…
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…
Did Tommy Pham Violate Home Plate Collision Rule?
The White Sox and Brewers played at American Family Field on June 2, 2024. In the top of the eighth, Chicago had Tommy Pham on third and Nicky Lopez on second with one out when Corey Julks flied to Christian Yelich in short left center. Pham tagged-up at third and raced home. Yelich’s throw to…
Did Runner Intentionally Interfere to Avert a Double Play?
In the top of the second inning in the Yankees-Angels game played on May 29, 2024 the Yankees had Anthony Rizzo on second and Jose Trevino on first and one out when DJ LeMahieu hit a ground ball to the left side of the infield that struck Rizzo. He was called out for runner interference…
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….
Controversial Tag Play at the Plate
The Cubs beat the Pirates 1-0 at Wrigley on May 18, 2024 in a game that ended in a controversial tag play at the plate in the bottom of the ninth. The play that was unsuccessfully challenged by Pirates manager Derek Shelton focused on the TAG rule, not the home plate collision rule. Here is…
