Home plate umpire Brian O’Nara owes Joe Maddon and the Los Angeles Angels a good explanation.
A run was taken off the board in the Angels-Astros game, as O’Nara claimed Los Angeles baserunner Jared Walsh was in the basepaths when he was hit by an attempted throw to first base by Houston pitcher Zack Greinke. When looking at the replay, it looks as though Walsh was inside the basepath when he was drilled with a Greinke throw.
Some early controversy in Houston. Jared Walsh hit a swinging bunt. Zack Greinke fielded it and threw to first. It hit Walsh – which would have allowed David Fletcher to score – but the HP ump said Walsh was outside the path
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 24, 2021
Joe Maddon arguing
Here's the video: pic.twitter.com/FlHS9Fb9I5
Jared Walsh was ruled out for being outside of the baseline when Zack Greinke’s throw hit him. This isn’t a reviewable play. pic.twitter.com/iKCDRw1xVy
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 24, 2021
For the home plate umpire to make such a decision is rare in the first place, as the ump at first base, Ryan Wills, arguably would’ve had a better look.
Umpires around baseball have made curious calls all season
O’Nara is far from the only umpire to receive some backlash on social media for his decision-making. Angel Hernandez, CB Buckner and Joe West are always trending when they call a game, especially when deciding on balls and strikes. An electronic strike zone is on the horizon for a reason, but even with that, calls like the one which cost the Angels on Friday night will still be in play.
For some reason, the play was not reviewable, which feels like an easy fix on MLB’s part.