All articles tagged with #umpiring
A chaotic seventh-inning sequence in the Red Sox–Blue Jays game sparked a 16-minute delay as umpires and managers debated a time-play ruling; after a New York rules check, the run that scored before the final out counted for Toronto, despite confusion over tagging up, and Toronto won 2-1, highlighting how Rule 5.09(c)(4) can complicate scoring when players leave the field.
A controversial non-call in the Orioles–Blue Jays series finale hinged on MLB's runner's lane rule: Ernie Clement appeared to stray from his base path to avoid Gunnar Henderson's tag, a move that umpires ruled within the rules, establishing the running path at the moment of the tag. The non-call allowed the Jays to rally from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4, with Jackson Holliday later called out for deviating from the base path in the ninth. The episode highlights how baserunning rules can decisively shape game outcomes.
Mason Miller’s 34 2/3‑inning scoreless streak ended in the ninth after a disputed fair/foul call on a swinging bunt—umpire Dan Merzel ruled it fair (not reviewable), sparking a Cubs rally; Miller allowed three runs in the inning before finishing, and while the moment was ugly, he remains dominant this season (1.26 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 28 strikeouts in 14 1/3 IP with 10 saves in 14 appearances).
MLB's Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS) is delivering entertainment and sparking debate, as overturned calls energize crowds and players adjust on the field while managers weigh risks with a limited number of challenges; with a rough 2.4% challenge rate through 35 games, early moments like Eugenio Suárez's overturned calls and Bucknor’s decisions showcase ABS adding strategic dialogue and fan engagement, even as catchers such as Patrick Bailey learn to leverage the tech; many still value the human element and debate whether full ABS is desirable, but the system appears to be delivering fun and driving innovation in the sport.
Umpire C.B. Bucknor drew heavy scrutiny in an 11-inning Red Sox–Reds game, with eight challenged calls (two upheld early) and multiple disputed decisions that helped shape a 6-5 Reds victory in 3:32. Alex Cora was ejected after a check-swing dispute; Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer were involved in close calls, and the day underscored Bucknor’s perceived loose strike zone, suggesting a potentially rough ABS season ahead.
MLB will roll out the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System in 2026, letting teams challenge a pitch’s strike call via a Hawk-Eye–style system with 12 cameras; each team gets two challenges per game (one extra in extra innings), and the strike zone definition differs from the traditional rulebook. While supporters say it corrects egregious pitches and reflects growing tech in baseball, critics — including former umpire Richie Garcia — worry about humbling human umpires and loss of trust. Umpire accuracy has been high in recent seasons, though social media scrutiny persists. Spring training data show mixed challenge success across teams, with the Yankees leading in overall challenges and players like Willson Contreras and Christian Cairo notable for their success.
In a 2-1 World Baseball Classic semifinal win for the United States over the Dominican Republic, two blown strike calls—including the final pitch to Geraldo Perdomo—drew scrutiny of umpiring and sparked renewed discussion about MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS), which is expected to be adopted in future MLB seasons and could eventually reach the WBC.
Spring training tests MLB's Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System; early challenges overturn calls, suggesting increased accuracy with minimal delays, while sparking debate about transparency as some umpiring calls are shown to be incorrect in real time (e.g., multi-pitch overturns in games behind umpires like C.B. Bucknor).
In a Fort Myers Grapefruit League clash, home plate umpire Mitch Trzeciak saw five of his calls overturned by ABS, drawing cheers when one was upheld; the Pirates beat the Red Sox 16-7, and Wilyer Abreu briefly broke his bat on a check swing.
In a Grapefruit League game between the Pirates and Red Sox, umpire Mitch Trzeciak’s first two innings were marred by ABS reversals—three challenges overturned, including a first-pitch ball—leaving him with five consecutive calls overturned and highlighting ABS as a tool to refine umpires’ strike zones.
During the Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers game, a controversial strike call by the umpire against Leody Taveras led to disbelief and laughter from the Bally Sports Southwest broadcast crew, highlighting ongoing issues with MLB officiating.
Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey chose to umpire a high school baseball game in Sycamore, Illinois, instead of being in the war room during the third day of the NFL Draft, highlighting his long-standing commitment to officiating youth sports.
Angel Hernandez, widely criticized as one of the worst umpires in baseball, retired this week. Despite his controversial career, he received support from New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone and former umpire Joe West, who argued that Hernandez was unfairly targeted. However, many in the baseball community disagree, citing numerous missed calls and his exclusion from high-profile games as evidence of his poor performance.
Longtime MLB umpire Angel Hernandez is retiring after over 30 years, despite facing significant criticism for his performance. Former umpire Joe West defended Hernandez, stating he was good at his job and criticizing online detractors. Hernandez, who filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against MLB in 2017, confirmed his retirement to spend more time with family.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended retiring MLB umpire Ángel Hernández, arguing that he was unfairly singled out as the face of bad umpiring despite not being the worst in his profession. Hernández, who has been a polarizing figure for decades, consistently ranked in the middle among umpires, but his mistakes were highly scrutinized and widely publicized.