The Los Angeles Dodgers had plenty to cheer about early in Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees but not every moment went their way. Fans were furious in the top of the fourth when replay review upheld a close out call at the plate.
Tommy Edman bunted in hopes of bringing Gavin Lux home but the umps ruled Yankees catcher Jose Trevino got his tag down in time. Dave Roberts quickly called for a replay review.
The play looked very close. Lux's hand seemed to be making its way to the plate but the camera angles weren't entirely definitive.
After review, the call stands https://t.co/GrlMiN8D8W pic.twitter.com/LqmczK7cxu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 29, 2024
Gavin Lux was called out on this squeeze play at the plate. pic.twitter.com/wCuPVH231E
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2024
The Dodgers clearly thought Lux had made it in time. Fans online were irate when the call stood. Even Jose Canseco agreed.
Dodgers fans, media think umps got call wrong in favor of Yankees
He was out https://t.co/SpvmZeLYSB
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) October 29, 2024
The Dodgers got robbed here. The runner needs a clear path to touch home plate. Do they want them to run over the catcher? This should be a 4-0 game. Lux did hesitate a little and would have scored had he not, but a bad call. What's the point of replay?
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 29, 2024
pic.twitter.com/wpaWsEOsBe
We just witnessed robbery on National TV.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 29, 2024
Home plate was clearly being blocked and Gavin Lux should've scored that run.
The Dodgers SHOULD be up 4-0 over the Yankees as we speak.pic.twitter.com/aOYPaj8E2l
That had to be one of the worst calls in World Series history.
— Nico (@USC_Nico) October 29, 2024
1. Blocking the plate
2. Gavin Lux’s left hand went under the glove and hit home plate
3. There’s clear video evidence of both 1 and 2. pic.twitter.com/25z7oqlxov
Are Dodgers fans and media correct? Did the umps get it wrong? It's complex.
What is the interference rule at home plate?
There seems to be a fundamental misread of the catcher interference rule. Here's the relevant passage of the rule from MLB.com:
"The catcher is not permitted to block the runner's path to the plate unless he is in possession of the ball. The runner can be ruled safe if the umpire determines the catcher violated this rule."
Claims that Trevino was guilty of interference are incorrect because he did have the ball in his glove when he dropped his knee and blocked the plate. He is allowed to do that.
The argument that Lux made the tag anyways is more compelling. I think Lux got his hand on the plate before Trevino's tag got to him, just based on where his hand was relative to Trevino's glove when we lose sight of the plate. Still, I understand how the replay center opted not to overturn. There didn't seem to be an angle that showed Lux's hand on the plate without a shadow of a doubt.
Different eyes may come to different conclusions on that one. But maybe Dave Roberts could have avoided all of this if he didn't have Tommy Edman bunt in that situation.