MLB Replay Review

Expert Analysis

Did Tommy Pham Violate Home Plate Collision Rule?

Topics: Home Plate Collision

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…

Expert Analysis

Did Runner Intentionally Interfere to Avert a Double Play?

Topics: Uncategorized

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…

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

Controversial Tag Play at the Plate

Topics: Catcher, Uncategorized

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…

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…

Expert Analysis

2024 MLB Instant Replay Reviewable Play Card

Topics: Replay Review

Listed below is the official MLB Instant Replay Reviewable Play Card Courtesy of MLB

Don't strike out!

Become a part of the largest baseball rules community in the world!

Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former Major League Baseball players and umpires.