Fined for criticizing the call on this play, a breakdown

Aug 27, 2022 2.3M views 6:12

What Happened

In the bottom of the first inning of a close game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers, the game takes an unexpected turn. With two outs and a runner on base, Guardians catcher Austin Hedges sets up behind home plate, ready to receive a pitch from the pitcher. The ball is delivered, and Hedges blocks it, keeping the runner from advancing. However, the umpire makes a controversial call, ruling that Hedges has violated the "blocking the plate" rule, which is designed to protect catchers from collisions at the plate. Hedges, clearly frustrated by the decision, expresses his displeasure, saying, "It's a disgrace. It's embarrassing." His criticism of the umpires' call results in a fine from the league. analyzes the play, noting that the "blocking the plate" rule has been in place for several years but has rarely been enforced in the way it was in this particular instance. , the host of , suggests that the rule is "tricky to define" and that the umpires have been "taking runs off the board more than they ever have" when it comes to these types of plays. provides further context, explaining that in a recent game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, there were similar plays at the plate that helped better understand the league's interpretation of the rule. He notes that the umpires want to see the catcher not cross the home plate or foul line until they have possession of the ball, which is not what happened in the Guardians-Tigers game. Ultimately, the umpires review the play and overturn the call, ruling the runner out. However, the damage has already been done, as the Guardians had to bring their pitcher, Trevor Pelaez, back into the game, and he subsequently gives up a three-run home run, a pivotal moment in the contest. emphasizes the significance of this play, stating that it "is why Hedges was so upset" and that the rule will likely come up again in the postseason, with potentially impactful consequences. He encourages viewers to check out the Rose Rotation podcast to hear Hedges' full thoughts on the situation, as the catcher had a strong reaction to the umpires' decision.

Full Transcript

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it's a plane that's been called a few

times now recently that really has never

been called before there's plays at home

that are beating the runners

and