MLB Replay Review

Expert Analysis

Umpires Change Foul Ball Call to Fair Ball

Topics: Replay Review

The Mets and Brewers met in Milwaukee on April 5, 2023 when Alan Porter’s crew changed an errant foul ball call by first base umpire Sean Barber to a fair ball off the bat of New York’s Omar Narváez with one out and the bases empty in the top of the fourth.  Plate umpire Mike…

Expert Analysis

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 obstruction

Topics: Obstruction

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/   Definition of Obstruction Obstruction is a fancy…

Expert Analysis

Yankees vs Guardians Time Play

Topics: Time Play

The April 12th, 2023 Yankees-Guardians game was marked by controversy that led to the ejection of Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone and a 10-minute delay. Here is what happened. In the bottom of the first, the Indians had Steven Kwan on third and Jose Ramirez on second and one out when Josh Naylor hit a flare…

Expert Analysis

Spectator Interference?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Twins and Tigers played at Comerica Park on September 30, 2022. In the top of the fourth inning the Twins had Gio Urshela on first base and one out when Ryan Jeffers, facing Tyler Alexander, hit a shot down the left field line. With the naked eye it appeared that the ball touched one…

Expert Analysis

Catcher Soft Throw Triggers Steal of Home Attempt

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Dodgers and D’backs played at Chase Field on September 14, 2022. In the bottom of the ninth, with the score tied 2-2, the D’backs had Jake McCarthy on third base and two outs. Corbin Carroll was the batter facing Evan Phillips with a 1-0 count. The D’backs noticed that Dodgers’ catcher Austin Barnes had been…

Expert Analysis

Runner Fails to Retouch Base

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Yankees and Red Sox played at Fenway on September 13, 2022. In the top of the second, the Yankees had Oswaldo Cabrera on first base and one out when Miguel Andújar, facing Nick Pivetta, hit a fly ball to Alex Verdugo in right field. Cabrera, who was off with the pitch, went beyond second…

Expert Analysis

Legal Catch Controversies from 2022 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

The official definition of the “Catch” rule that is referenced in this report: A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform…

Expert Analysis

Improper Time Call by an Umpire

Topics: Expert Analysis

The D’backs and Giants played at Oracle Park on August 17, 2022 in a game Arizona won, 3-2. In the top of the sixth, the D’backs’ Stone Garrett was facing Carlos Rodon with Josh Rojas on second base and two outs when Garrett hit a ground ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford. On the swing, plate…

Expert Analysis

Bob Melvin Ejected After Call Overturned to Illegally Blocking the Plate

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Nationals hosted the Padres on Aug. 13, 2022. In the bottom of seventh with the score tied 3-3,  the Nats had Cesar Hernandez on second base and one out when Victor Robles hit safely to right field. Juan Soto fired to catcher Austin Nola and plate umpire Paul Emmel called Hernandez out. Nats’ skipper…

Expert Analysis

Mets Win Challenge, Nimmo Still Called Out?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Braves and Mets played at Citi Field on August 7, 2022. In the bottom of the first, the Mets had Brandon Nimmo on first base and no outs when Starling Marte hit a ground ball to second baseman Ehire Adrianza. Nimmo, running to second, escaped Adrianza’s tag when the Braves’ second baseman tagged him…

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.