MLB Ejection 073 - Adrian Johnson (2; James Rowson)

2B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Yankees hitting coach James Rowson (pitch clock violation call by HP Umpire Quinn Wolcott on batter José Caballero; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Pirates-#Yankees game. With two out and one on, Yankees batter Caballero was called for a pitch clock violation prior to Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski's 0-1 pitch. Replays indicate Caballero entered the batter's box and delayed becoming alert to the pitcher by keeping his head facing down and not looking at the pitcher for several seconds after entering the batter's box, deemed a pitch clock violation by MLB, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 2nd ejection of 2026.

This is a technically correct call for a confusing mid-season interpretation of the pitch clock rule: "Conduct by batters designed to deceive a pitcher into beginning their windup or coming to the set position in violation of these Regulations shall be considered circumvention in accordance with section A.4.d below.  In such cases, the umpires will issue a warning to the batter for his deceptive behavior.  If the batter continues to engage in such conduct during the game, the umpire shall asses a Pitch Clock Violation (i.e., automatic strike)."

Accordingly, assessing a Pitch Clock Violation instead of warning Caballero first is the basis for QOCN.

The box score erroneously credited the ejection to Wolcott; video evidence indicates it was Johnson's.

This is the 73rd ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 15th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 38 Managers, 15 Coaches, 20 Players.

This is New York's 7th ejection of 2026, 1st in the AL East (NYY 7; BOS 6; TB, TOR 3; BAL 2).

This is James Rowson's 1st ejection since June 7, 2025 (Bruce Dreckman; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since April 18 (Kyle Snyder; QOC = N [Denied ABS]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Yankees, 7/22/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 016 - Adrian Johnson (1; Kyle Snyder)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder (denied ABS challenge/timing; QOCN) in the bottom of the 13th inning of the #Rays-#Pirates game. With two out and two on, Pirates batter Konnor Griffin took a 1-1 sweeper from Rays pitcher Roendrys Gómez for a called second ball, with Johnson denying Rays catcher Nick Fortes' challenge request. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and belt-high (px -0.85, pz 3.35), but that pitcher Gómez timely requested an ABS challenge of Johnson's ball call prior to Fortes' head-tap, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 8-6. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 8-7, in 13 innings.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

*QOC for this ABS denial refers to the umpire's decision to the deny the challenge request.

This is the 16th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 4th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 11 Managers, 1 Coaches, 4 Players.

This is Tampa Bay's 1st ejection of 2026, 2nd in the AL East (NYY 2; BAL, BOS, TB, TOR 1).

This is Kyle Snyder's 1st ejection since August 2, 2024 (Doug Eddings; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 1st ejection since May 10, 2025 (Rocco Baldelli; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/18/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 027 - Adrian Johnson (3; Rocco Baldelli)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli (strike two call to Carlos Correa; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Giants-#Twins game. With two out and one on, Twins batter Correa took a 2-1 sinker from Giants pitcher Logan Webb for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.94, pz 2.06), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 2-1. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 3rd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 0.36 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 27th ejection of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 12th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 12 Managers, 7 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is Minnesota's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL Central (MIN 2; KC 1; CWS, CLE, DET 0).

This is Rocco Baldelli's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 7 (Nic Lentz; QOC = Y [Pitch Clock]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 5 (Mike Shildt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs Minnesota Twins, 5/10/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 019-20 - Adrian Johnson (1-2; SD x2)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Padres RF Fernando Tatis and manager Mike Shildt (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Padres-#Yankees game. With one out and two on, Padres batter Tatis took a 1-1 changeup from Yankees pitcher Devin Williams for a called second strike before striking out swinging on the next pitch. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.20, pz 1.62 [sz_bot 1.74 / RAD 1.62]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

These are Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025.

*This pitch was located 1.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 19th and 20th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 7th player & 8th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 8 Managers, 5 Coaches, 7 Players.

This is San Diego's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL West (ARI, SD 2; COL, LAD, SF 0).

This is Fernando Tatis' first career MLB ejection.

This is Mike Shildt's 1st ejection since June 25, 2024 (Adam Hamari; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs New York Yankees, 5/5/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 192 - Adrian Johnson (Kyle Snyder)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 2nd inning of the #Guardians-#Rays game. With none out and none on in the 2nd, Guardians batter Will Brennan singled, Gabriel Arias homered, Bo Naylor walked, Jose Tena grounded out, Steven Kwan singled, and Andres Gimenez singled. Snyder was ejected during a mound visit. Replays indicate of the 13 callable pitches prior to ejection during the inning, Johnson officiated 12 properly, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Guardians were leading, 4-0. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 9-2.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 4th ejection of 2023.

This is the 192nd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 26th coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 87 Managers, 79 Players, 26 Coaches.

This is Tampa Bay's 4th ejection of 2023, T-4th in the AL East (NYY 8; BAL, TOR 6; BOS, TB 4).

This is Kyle Snyder's first career MLB ejection.

This is Adrian Johnson's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 4 (Marcus Thames; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cleveland Guardians vs Tampa Bay Rays, 8/13/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 170 - Adrian Johnson (3; Marcus Thames)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Angels hitting coach Marcus Thames (strike two call to Angels batter Hunter Renfroe; QOCY) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the #Mariners-#Angels game. With one out and one on, Angels batter Renfroe took a 2-1 sinker from Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at of the hollow of the knee (px -0.33, pz 1.49 [sz_bot 1.66 / RAD 1.54 / MOE 1.46]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 5-1. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 9-7.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.36 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 170th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 22nd coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 78 Managers, 70 Players, 22 Coaches.

This is Los Angeles' 7th ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK, SEA, TEX 7; HOU 4).

This is Marcus' Thames' 1st ejection since May 14, 2022 (Bill Welke; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 3 (Derek Shelton; QOC = U [Pitch Clock]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Los Angeles Angels, 8/4/23 | Video as follows:

Umpires Order Pitcher to Remove Wedding Ring - Rule ?

On the last day of a series featuring two umpire arguments from Pirates manager Derek Shelton, Chief Adrian Johnson's crew on Thursday ordered Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zach Eflin to remove a wedding ring from his finger. Where does that rule come from and what is the umpire's role. You asked, we have an answer.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(7), entitled Pitching Prohibitions states, "The pitcher shall not have on their person, or in their possession, any foreign substance. 

Comment: The pitcher may not attach anything to either hand, any finger or either wrist (e.g., Band-Aid, tape, Super Glue, bracelet, etc.). The umpire shall determine if such attachment is indeed a foreign substance for the purpose of Rule 6.02(c)(7), but in no case may the pitcher be allowed to pitch with such

 attachment to their hand, finger or wrist."

Accordingly, it is within the umpire's duties to require a pitcher remove a violative attachment prior to pitching or at any time during their pitching appearance, regardless of which hand the attachment is on or what material it is made out of (e.g., rubber vs metal).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 036 - Adrian Johnson (2; Derek Shelton)

3B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Pirates manager Derek Shelton (pitch clock timer operation by HP Umpire Quinn Wolcott; QOCU) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Pirates-#Rays game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Ji Hwan Bae singled on a 1-0 fastball from Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan. Following this play, Shelton alleged to Wolcott that the 30-second between batters pitch clock did not start properly, resulting in an argument that Shelton eventually directed to 3B Umpire and Crew Chief Johnson when Wolcott proceeded with the game and prepared for McClanahan's first pitch to ensuing batter Austin Hedges. Shelton was ejected as McClanahan delivered to Hedges, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 3-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 8-1.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is the 36th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 18th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 18 Managers, 14 Players, 4 Coaches.

This is Pittsburgh's 2nd ejection of 2023, T-1st in the NL Central (MIL, PIT, STL 2; CIN 1; CHC 0).

This is Derek Shelton's 1st ejection since Sept 11, 2022 (Clint Vondrak; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 1st ejection since Sept 25, 2022 (Luke Weaver; QOC = U [Anthem Standoff]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Tampa Bay Rays, 5/3/23 | Video as follows:

Braves Fail to Challenge Bona Fide Slide Rule Play - Was it Interference?

Atlanta failed to challenge a 7th inning play in New York when Mets baserunner R1 Jeff McNeil slid into Braves shortstop Vaughn Grissom, resulting in a wild throw to first base that allowed batter-runner Daniel Vogelbach to reach and R2 Pete Alonso to score. However, with MLB's bona fide slide rule in effect, was this interference on a force play at second base? Was 2B Umpire Adrian Johnson's interference no-call correct? We investigate.

Recall that Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j) is defined as: "If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, they should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01."

The four criteria with which to evaluate potential violations of the bona fide slide rule are as follows. They are written such that a failure to satisfy any one of the criteria means the slide was not bona fide:

1) The runner begins their slide (makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;

2) Is able and attempts to reach the base with their hand or foot;

3) Is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and

4) Slides within reach of the base without changing their pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.

Upon our review of the play, it appears baserunner R1 Jeff McNeil failed to satisfy criterion four (and may have failed to satisfy #2 and #3 as well...the camera angle available isn't as conclusive), meaning this is not a bona fide slide. Thus, had Replay Review been invoked, the proper outcome would have been to overturn the call by declaring both R1 (on the force play) and the batter-runner out (on the interference by R1), and return R2 and R3 to their bases occupied at time of pitch, thus negating the two runs that scored.

Video as follows:

Cardinals Runner Overruns Second Base and is Safe Despite Being Tagged - Did Replay Get it Wrong?

With the bases loaded and two out, Cardinals runner R1 Taylor Motter sensed that a force out at second base would negate a potential St Louis run and opted to run through the base, ruled out by 2B Umpire Adrian Johnson. For good measure, Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte tagged Motter's leg past second base, but Replay Review upon Oli Marmol's challenge curiously ruled Motter safe on all accounts, allowing the inning to continue with the bases loaded. Was this the correct call?

Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar grounded to Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed, who threw from the hole to Marte at second base, resulting in a bang-bang play as Motter arrived as Marte stepped on the bag. After the play, Cardinals manager Marmol challenged 2B Umpire Johnson's force out call and Replay Review overturned the ruling, finding that baserunner R1 Motter did indeed beat Marte to second base.

However, despite the fact that Marte clearly tagged Motter's thigh past second base, the Replay Official failed to declare Motter out, allowing baserunner R3 Tyler O'Neill to score while depriving us of a time play that was similarly quite close.

The bigger issue here is that Replay's decision to effectively kill play after the third out and disregard the tag that clearly and obviously occurred after the incorrect force out call at second base runs in contrast to how MLB has treated overturned third outs in the past. For instance, the Mets in 2018 ran what we call a "false fourth out" play, in which a catcher after tagging a runner out for the apparent third out continued playing, throwing the ball to third base for another tag and another (false fourth) out. In that game, Replay overturned the out at the plate, but allowed the out at third base to stand, ending the inning.
Related Post: False Fourth Out - Ball Stays Alive After Third Out (7/25/18).

Thus, it would appear that this is a case not of Replay disregarding the continuous action (tag beyond second base) that occurred after the force out attempt due to the ball becoming dead at the third out, but more likely Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo failed to challenge the tag beyond second base that occurred after the force out—a type of false fourth out.

The logic and precedent suggests that either Replay Review has gone rogue on baseball's prior interpretation of this situation or that Lovullo simply didn't get the job done for his team.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 170-71 - Adrian Johnson (4-5; SEA-KC)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Mariners pitcher Robbie Ray and Royals pitcher Luke Weaver (national anthem standoff/refusal to leave field/delay of game) prior to the top of the 1st inning of the #Mariners-#Royals game. Following the pre-game performance of the national anthem, off-day pitchers and bench personnel Ray (Seattle) and Weaver (Kansas City) remained on the playing field in the locations occupied during the national anthem. They remained in these on-field positions as Royals starting pitcher Max Castillo completed his warmup pitches and the game was ready to begin, and were ejected for delaying the start of the game after failing to follow the umpires' direction to leave the field, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the game hadn't begun (score was tied 0-0). The Royals ultimately won the contest, 13-12.

These are Adrian Johnson (80)'s 4th and 5th ejections of 2022.

These are the 170th and 171st ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

These are the 57th and 58th player ejections of 2022. Prior to ejection, neither player appeared in the game.

This is Seattle's 12th ejection of 2022, 1st in the AL West (SEA 12; LA 10; HOU 7; OAK 6; TEX 2).

This is Kansas City's 4th ejection of 2022, T-3rd in the AL Central (CWS 6; CLE 5; DET, KC MIN 4).

This is Robbie Ray's 1st ejection since March 27, 2017 (Bill Miller; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes {Spring}]).

This is Luke Weaver's first career MLB ejection.

This is Adrian Johnson's 4/5th ejection of 2022, 1st since June 26 (Scott Servais; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals, 9/25/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 077-84 - Bacon, Johnson (SEA-LAA Brawl)

HP Umpire John Bacon ejected Angels pitcher Andrew Wantz and manager Phil Nevin (throwing at Mariners batter Jesse Winker), 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Mariners LF Winker, manager Scott Servais (fighting), and HP Umpire Bacon ejected Mariners SS JP Crawford, CF Julio Rodriguez, and Angels pitcher Ryan Tepera and pitcher Raisel Iglesias (fighting) in the top of the 2nd inning of the #Mariners-#Angels game. With one out and none on in the top of the 1st inning, Mariners batter Julio Rodriguez took a first-pitch fastball from Wantz for a called first ball, resulting in warnings. In the top of the 2nd, with none out and none on, leadoff batter Winker took a first-pitch fastball from Wantz for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in the ejections of Wantz and Nevin for throwing at Winker after warnings were issued, and inciting a benches-clearing brawl. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Winker on the hip, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the game was tied, 0-0. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

These are John Bacon (70)'s 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th ejections of 2022.

These are Adrian Johnson (80)'s 2nd and 3rd ejections of 2022.

John Bacon now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 6*[2 AAA + 0 Irrecusable] = 12).

Adrian Johnson now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 8).

Crew Chief Adrian Johnson now has 11 points in Crew Division (3 Prev + 8 Irrecusable Call = 11).

These are the 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 81st, 82nd, 83rd, and 84th ejections of the 2022 MLB regular season.

These are the 39th and 40th manager ejections of 2022.

These are the 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th player ejections of 2022.

This is Los Angeles' 4-7th ejection of 2022, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, SEA 7; HOU 5; OAK 3; TEX 0).

This is Seattle's 4-7th ejection of 2022, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, SEA 7; HOU 5; OAK 3; TEX 0).

This is Andrew Wantz's first career MLB ejection.

This is Phil Nevin's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since June 21 (Nestor Ceja; QOC = N-c [Balk]).

This is Jesse Winker's 1st ejection since August 29, 2020 (Dan Bellino; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Scott Servais' 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since June 6 (Chris Guccione; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is JP Crawford's first career MLB ejection.

This is Julio Rodriguez's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since May 31 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ryan Tepera's 1st ejection since August 7, 2018 (Ed Hickox; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Raisel Iglesias' first career MLB ejection.

These are John Bacon's 1st ejections since August 27, 2020 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

These are Adrian Johnson's 2-3rd ejections of 2022, 1st since May 3 (Torey Lovullo; QOC = Y-c [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels of WWE, 6/26/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 023 - Adrian Johnson (1; Torey Lovullo)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (inadvertent foul ball point during fair ball by 1B Umpire Ryan Wills; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Marlins game. With two out and the bases loaded, Marlins batter Jazz Chisholm Jr hit a fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Luis Frias down the right-field foul line, ruled fair by 1B Umpire Wills who inadvertently pointed into foul territory, as if to signaling a foul ball, which resulted in both teams stopping play as if a foul ball and "Time" had been called. Upon crew consultation, the call was rectified as a fair ball, with runners placed as follows: R3 Garrett Cooper scored, R2 Brian Anderson scored, R1 Jacob Stallings was placed at third base, and batter-runner Chisholm was placed at second base. Replays indicate the ball was fair and the runner's placement was proper, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 5-2. The D-Backs ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Adrian Johnson now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 5).

Crew Chief Adrian Johnson now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

*Official Baseball Rule 8.02(c): "If the umpires consult after a play and change a call that had been made, then they have the authority to take all steps that they may deem necessary, in their discretion, to eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that they are reversing, including placing runners where they think those runners would have been after the play, had the ultimate call been made as the initial call."

This is the 23rd ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 10th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Arizona's 1st ejection of 2022, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, SD, SF 1; COL, LAD 0).

This is Torey Lovullo's 1st ejection since May 19, 2021 (Will Little; QOC = Y [Run Lane Interference]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 1st ejection since August 28, 2021 (Pat Murphy; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins, 5/3/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 154-155 - Adrian Johnson, Jeremy Riggs (MIL x2)

2B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy (Unsportmsanlike-NEC) during the pre-game plate meeting and HP Umpire Jeremy Riggs ejected Brewers 1B Rowdy Tellez (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Brewers-#Twins game. Prior to the game, Murphy began arguing with 3B Umpire Brian Gorman, resulting in an ejection from Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct. Replays indicate no calls occurred in the game prior to this ejection, the call was irrecusable. At the time of Murphy's ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. In the 6th, Brewers batter Rowdy Tellez struck out swinging after taking a 2-0 slider from Twins pitcher Caleb Thielbar for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.67, pz 1.47 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51 / MOE 1.42]), the call was correct. At the time of Tellez's ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

This is Jeremy Riggs (112)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Adrian Johnson now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (-6 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = -4).

Jeremy Riggs now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).

Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 9 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 2 QOCU = 9).

These are the 154th and 155th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 62nd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Tellez was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.

This is Milwaukee's 13/14th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 14; CIN 10; CHC, STL 6; PIT 3).

This is Pat Murphy's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 28 (Marty Foster; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is Rowdy Tellez's 1st ejection since July 29, 2020 (Stu Scheurwater; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 23 (Mike Matheny; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

This is Jeremy Riggs' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since July 18 (Luis Rojas; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins, 8/28/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Adrian Johnson Leaves in Texas

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson left Saturday's #Mariners-#Rangers game in Texas due to an apparent hip injury.

With one out in the top of the 4th inning, Mariners batter Abraham Toro flied out to Rangers left fielder Jason Martin, after which Texas effected a pitching change. Johnson left the field at this time.

Johnson was replaced behind home plate by 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Laz Diaz while 1B Umpire Dan Merzel remained at first base and 3B Umpire Scott Barry remained at third base. Johnson was replaced for Sunday's game by call-up umpire Kyle McCrady.

Relevant Injury History: There is no relevant injury history.

Last Game: July 31 | Return to Play: August 9 | Time Absent: 9 Days | Video as follows:

Umpire Mechanics Spotlighted During Mariners Game

During a fly ball to center field Friday night, Mariners broadcasters Dave Sims and Mike Blowers zeroed in on the umpiring crew, tracing 2B Umpire Adam Hamari, 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson, and HP Umpire John Tumpane as they moved to make a call on Rangers batter Adolis Garcia's attempted double in Seattle.

With none out and none on, Garcia hit a batted ball to Mariners center fielder Taylor Trammel, who attempted to dive to catch the fly. 2B Umpire Hamari, having gone out to rule on the trouble ball, properly ruled "no catch" using a standard arms-spread safe mechanic. With Hamari out of the infield, 3B Umpire Johnson ran to cover Hamari's vacated base at second, where Johnson would ultimately call Garcia out as he unsuccessfully attempted to turn a single into a hustle double.

Rounding out the umpiring movements, HP Umpire Tumpane jogged into third base to cover for Johnson, preparing for the potential play if, say, Trammel had overthrown shortstop JP Crawford, leading batter-runner Garcia to try for third base.

With Garcia out at second base, 1B Umpire Sean Barber remained at first base in case Garcia had tried to run back to first to avoid a tag. Had Garcia slid safely into second base and attempted to advance to third, Barber would have run to home plate, covering for Tumpane, who was covering for Johnson, who was covering for Hamari.

Umpire training programs, such as umpire school, camp, and otherwise, teach the movement/rotation/coverage system Friday night's crew employed in Seattle; it is also codified in the MLB Umpire Manual. The next time you're at a baseball game, watch the umpires when a ball is hit toward the outfield and one of the crew who has responsibility for such matters goes into the outfield; the rest of the crew will backfill based on the prescribed mechanics, showing that hustle is still key even for the officials in order to have every potential play covered.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 052 - Adrian Johnson (1; Mike Matheny)

1B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Royals manager Mike Matheny (check swing strike two call) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Tigers-#Royals game. With one out and one on (R1), Royals batter Whit Merrifield attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 sinker from Tigers pitcher Casey Mize while being hit by the pitch, ruled a swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Johnson and resulting in a dead ball strike. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (1-7), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 2-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Adrian Johnson now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call).

Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 INC Call = 3).

This is the 52nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 28th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Kansas City's 4th ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL Central (KC 4; MIN 3; CLE, CWS, DET 0).

This is Mike Matheny's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 5 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Balk]).

This is Adrian Johnson's 1st ejection since August 9, 2018 (James Rowson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals, 5/23/21 | Video as follows:

Time Play Teachable - Fielder's Choice in Oakland

The Oakland Athletics secured win #1 of the 2021 MLB regular season Wednesday against Los Angeles, but not after a curious time play leading to a Dodgers go-ahead run after HP Umpire Dan Bellino conferred with 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson before scoring LA's second run of the game.

Play: With two out and two on (R2, R3), Dodgers batter Zach McKinstry bunted to A's third baseman Matt Chapman as Dodgers baserunner R3 Max Muncy sprinted for home plate and R2 Austin Barnes ran toward third base. Rather than make a play on McKinstry at first base to end the inning, F5 Chapman opted to tag Barnes as he overslid third base, resulting in the inning's third out.

Ruling: Cognizant of the time play situation, HP Umpire Bellino signaled to the press box to score the run, properly ruling that runner Muncy had touched home plate prior to fielder Chapman recording the third out on runner Barnes at third base.

Q&A: Our Ask the UEFL question is whether it matters that batter-runner McKinstry hadn't yet touched first base at the time of the third out. The answer is no. Official Baseball Rule 5.08(a) states that a run scores when a runner legally touches each base in order before three are out to end the inning. As previously established, R3 Muncy touched home plate before R2 Barnes was tagged for the third out.

The exception to 5.08(a) prescribes, "A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases," but this itself is not a time play.

The ruling is that "no run shall score during a play in which the third out is made by the batter-runner before he touches first base." In this situation, the third out of the inning was made by R3 Muncy and not the batter-runner McKinstry, and because R3 Muncy touched home plate before R2 Barnes was tagged for the third out, Muncy's run shall count. Had fielder Chapman, instead of tagging Barnes, successfully thrown out batter-runner McKinstry at first base, R3 Muncy's run would not count, regardless of timing involved, because the third out would have been made by the batter-runner before touching first base.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 114 - Adrian Johnson (1; James Rowson)

HP Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Twins Hitting Coach James Rowson (strike three call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the Twins-Indians game. With none out and none on, Twins batter Ehire Adrianza took a 2-2 sinker from Indians pitcher Corey Kluber for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px .516, pz 3.634 [sz_top 3.411 / RAD 3.534 / MOE 3.617]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s first ejection of 2018.
Adrian Johnson now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Marvin Hudson now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).
*This pitch was located 0.204 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 114th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is Minnesota's 4th ejection of 2018, T-2nd in the AL Central (CWS 7; KC, MIN 4; DET 3; CLE 1).
This is James Rowson's first career MLB ejection.
This is Adrian Johnson's first ejection since May 12, 2017 (Chase Headley; QOC = Y [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians, 8/9/18 | Video as follows:

Boston Files Protest Over Odd Interference No-Call

Boston filed a protest alleging interference by Yankees baserunner Matt Holliday as umpires determined no rule infraction occurred during a peculiar sequence Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Is Holliday guilty of interference in Boston?

The Play: With none out and one on (R1) in the top of the 11th inning of the Yankees-Red Sox game, Yankees batter Jacoby Ellsbury hit a 2-2 sinker from Red Sox pitcher Robby Scott on the ground to first baseman Mitch Moreland, who threw to shortstop Xander Bogaerts at second base to retire baserunner R1 Holliday before the return throw to first base wound up striking Ellsbury, resulting in a fielder's choice force out call (no interference). Replays indicate that as Moreland fielded the batted ball, baserunner R1 Holliday—perhaps under the mistaken belief that Moreland had tagged first base before throwing to Bogaerts—retreated to first base, beginning his slide into his base of origin as Bogaerts stepped on second base to force him out. Due to Holliday's slide into first base, fielder Moreland was unable to field Bogaerts' return throw, which arrived around the time Ellsbury passed first base, the ball hitting Ellsbury and deflecting up the right field foul line, after which Ellsbury remained on first base.

Farrell presents his case to Chief Cederstrom.

The Call: 2B Umpire Adrian Johnson ruled R1 Holliday out on the fielder's choice, and 1B Umpire Gabe Morales ruled Ellsbury safe on the uncaught return throw, further ruling that no interference had occurred.

The Argument: Red Sox Manager John Farrell argued with HP Umpire and Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom that Holliday's slide into first base had prevented fielder Moreland from fielding Bogaerts' throw, and, thus, Holliday had committed interference. Farrell argued that this interference should have resulted in a double play. After the four umpires consulted to discuss the play, the interference no-call prevailed, with Cederstrom and Cooper opting to consult with the Replay Operations Center for a rules check regarding interference and its applicability to the aforementioned play. In all, play was denied for approximately nine minutes.

Official Baseball Rule 6.01: Interference, Obstruction and Catcher Collisions
(a) Batter or Runner Interference: It is interference by a batter or a runner when:
(4) Any member or members of the offensive team stand or gather around any base to which a runner is advancing, to confuse, hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate or teammates;
(5) Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate (see Rule 6.01(j))...
(10) He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball...if the base runner’s interference is adjudged not to be intentional, the batter-runner shall be awarded first base...
(j) If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01...A runner who engages in a 'bona fide slide' shall not be called for interference under this Rule 6.01, even in cases where the runner makes contact with the fielder as a consequence of a permissible slide.

Holliday's slide prevents Moreland's catch.

Analysis: The analysis will comprise of two parts. First, it will address which precise rule applies to this play (versus which provisions don't apply), and, second, we'll discuss the history of this applicable rule and its application to rule what is and is not interference (yes, we had a recent Case Play on this very rule).

To best investigate this play, it will be helpful to go rule-by-rule, point-by-point. Let's begin.
> Rule 6.01(a)(4) states that it is interference when a member of the offense stands or gathers at a base "to confuse, hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders." 6.01(a)(4) does not apply to this play, as it would require R1 Holliday to have stood (or gathered) at first base with the express purpose of confusing, hindering, or adding to the difficulty of the fielders. Without this intent, it is not interference.
> OBR 6.01(a)(5), also known as recently-retired runner's interference, states that a runner who has been erased from the bases (via an out or score) is guilty of interference if he hinders or impedes a following play. 6.01(a)(5) does apply in any event in which a runner commits a hindering or impeding act after leaving his base path (e.g., abandoning his normal base-running responsibilities), but does not apply when the runner is simply completing a base running maneuver that has begun prior to his retirement. OBR 6.01(a)(5) is the applicable rule.*
> OBR 6.01(a)(10) applies to a runner who intentionally interferes with a thrown ball. As Holliday never actually touched the throw (nor did he appear to intentionally interfere), 6.01(a)(10) does not apply.
> OBR 6.01(j) is the force play slide interference rule, and states, in part, "A runner who engages in a 'bona fide slide' shall not be called for interference under this Rule 6.01." Holliday's slide met the bona fide slide rule criteria (slid into base, held the base, etc.), and 6.01(j) cannot apply for that reason. Is it possible to Rule 6.01(j) interference when a runner retreats to a base and commits an illegal slide? Yes, if the runner initiates (or attempts to initiate) contact with a fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play.

About Recently Retired Runner's Interference and Residue of a Legitimate Attempt to Run the Bases: Regarding this brand of interference, the Wendelstedt umpiring manual specifies the precise case of a batter-runner who continues running to first base after being retired (say, on a caught bunt or a third strike that results in an out [e.g., a dropped third strike with first base occupied and less than two out]), and specifies that the retired batter-runner may be guilty of retired runner's interference if he interferes with the play being made back into first base while running outside of the running lane.

In other words, per Wendelstedt, the batter-runner is not out if he "hinders or impedes a following play" if he is legitimately running the bases, even though he has already been retired.

Holiday makes a legit attempt to run the bases.

An even easier "out" here is gleaned from the standard case of a bona fide slide (as illustrated above, and seen during the course of a majority of big league double play attempts). If recently-retired runner's interference applied to any case where a baserunner hindered or impeded the following play being made on another runner, then it would be illegal to slide into second (or third, e.g.) base after being forced out: in other words, if the logic here is that Holliday was out for interfering with the play at first base after being retired at second base, then so too should be all runners who slide into second base after the pivot man receives the ball.

Clearly, a runner is allowed to complete a legal base-running maneuver (e.g., a bona fide slide) and he will not be called for recently-retired runner's interference if he is otherwise legal in his running of the bases as he is put out.

Crew Chief Cederstrom signals the protest.

As for the question of whether Holliday is legally allowed to run (return) to first base: Quite obviously R1 Holliday is forced to advance by virtue of the batter's becoming a runner, but if Holliday legitimately believes the force has been removed, he is permitted to try and return to his base of origin. This is a legal base-running maneuver and only becomes a problem if he actually returns to first base—having not yet been put out—while the batter-runner is standing on first base at the same time.

If this wasn't a legal running of the bases, Rule 5.06(b)(2) ("If a runner is forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner and two runners are touching a base to which the following runner is forced, the following runner is entitled to the base and the preceding runner shall be out when tagged or when a fielder possesses the ball and touches the base to which such preceding runner is forced") would not exist, and a runner would be liable to be declared out for abandonment or for some other cause while retreating to an occupied base. The rule is clear: someone must be put out by the defense, not by the umpire.

Similarly, see Rule 5.09(b)(6), which states, in part, "If the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason towards the base he had last occupied, the force play is reinstated, and he can again be put out if the defense tags the base to which he is forced." Again, if retreating was an illegal base-running action, then Rule 5.09(b)(6) would not exist.

Accordingly, Holliday is legally permitted to run to first base and, in accordance with the aforementioned Wendelstedt citation, he is not to be declared out simply for completing his legal base-running action.

RED HERRING: If you're looking at Rule 6.01(a)(5) Comment ("If the batter or a runner continues to advance after he has been put out...") and believe that retreating to a base precludes any protection from interference, you're getting caught up in semantics that don't affect the interpretation of this play.

Relevant Post: Case Play 2017-4 - Hurdling a Retired Runner [Solved] (4/30/17)

A similar play occurred in Anaheim in April.

The aforementioned Case Play concentrates specifically on the case of recently-retired runner's interference as occurred during an April game in Anaheim.

Succinctly, with Angels baserunner R3 Ben Revere caught in a rundown between third and home, trail runner R1 Cliff Pennington rounded second and prepared to advance to third base. As Oakland pitcher Kendall Graveman ran R3 Revere back to third, retreating runner Revere began a slide, and was tagged out by Graveman before making it to the bag. With Revere out, trail runner R1 Pennington tried advancing to third base, and F1 Graveman tried to jump over the recently-retired Revere in order to make a play on Pennington. As the fielder leapt over Revere, the recently-retired runner completed his unsuccessful "pop-up" slide and, in doing so, essentially upended Graveman as he attempted to complete the double play on Pennington (he was successful).

In answering this Case Play, we found that Revere's slide into third base constituted a legal running of the bases, even though he subsequently made contact with Graveman after being tagged out as Graveman attempted a play on following runner Pennington. In sum, if the umpires ruled runner Revere's slide—including the pop-up element—as part of a legitimate attempt to run the bases, then he did not interfere with Graveman's play on the following runner. If, however, the umpires ruled that the totality of Revere's slide was not a legitimate attempt at running the bases or that he intended to impede Graveman's play at Pennington, then the proper call would be a double play due to recently-retired runner's interference.

Conclusion: As for the play at Fenway Park, since Holliday entered his slide (prior to or concurrent with Bogaerts retiring him) in a legitimate attempt to run the bases—however misguided it might have been—and furthermore did not intentionally hinder the defense, he did not violate retired runner's interference rule 6.01(a)(5) nor any other rule concerning interference.

Epilogue: Just-scored runner's INT.

One More Illustration: If you're still lost, it might be helpful to consider the second aspect of Rule 6.01(a)(5), which concerns "any runner who has just scored." Consider the attached image of a just-scored interference play at Citi Field in 2013. During that play, Marlins baserunner Juan Pierre legally ran through home plate, but ultimately collided with Mets catcher John Buck as Buck attempted to make a play on a following runner. HP Umpire Jim Joyce properly ruled Pierre's teammate (Dobbs) out at second base for Pierre's interference for his having run through the base, and, in doing so, completing his base-running responsibility before making contact with the catcher. The question is not whether the recently-retired or just-scored runner actually impeded or hindered the fielder, but whether he did so in an illegal way, for instance, by virtue of an illegal slide, intentional act, or illegitimate action following the achievement of a base.

Video as follows: