Whitt Merrifield

Expert Analysis

Different Situations Where a Pitcher Delivers a Pitch Following a Balk

Topics: Balk

Play Follows a Balk The Dodgers hosted the Cardinals on March 30, 2024. In the top of the seventh, the Cards had Matt Carpenter on third, Alec Burleson on second, and Brandon Crawford on first with one out when Victor Scott II flied to Teoscar Hernandez in left. But the out was nullified when Dodgers…

Expert Analysis

“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted

Topics: Balk

The Blue Jays hosted the Mariners on April 30, 2023. In the bottom of the fourth, Whitt Merrifield was at bat with a 3-2 count and two outs facing Penn Murfee. Vlad Guerrero, the runner on first, took off with the pitch that was “Ball Four.” One of the umpires on plate ump Mark Carlson’s…

Expert Analysis

MLB Umpires Utilizing Rule 8.02 (c)

Topics: Expert Analysis

The D’backs and Braves played at Truist Park on July 31, 2022.  In the bottom of the second, the Braves had Austin Riley on second and Travis d’Arnaud on first with one out when William Contreras hit a drive to left field. Jake McCarthy, the D’backs’ left fielder, “snared” the ball and carried it a…

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.