Fan Interference AND HR? Blue Jays-Rays Replay Rewind

Rays batter Brandon Lowe's home run stood on review as umpires called both fan interference and a home run on the same play. Blue Jays manager John Schneider met with 3B Umpire Laz Diaz afterward to discuss the unusual ruling, which we now analyze.

With one out and two on in the bottom of the 3rd inning, Rays batter Lowe hit a 2-2 changeup from Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos on a fly ball to deep right-center field. Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes jumped in an attempt to catch the ball, but a fan reached out of the stands and caught the descending fly ball, ruled a home run by 1B Umpire Brian O'Nora.

Upon Replay Review as the result of a Crew Chief initiated-second look (potential home runs are chief reviews), Replay determined that while the fan did definitively commit spectator interference, the home run would ultimately stand because, absent the fan's interference, the ball would have left the yard anyway.

In crafting this ruling, the Replay Official relied on two different rules concerning spectator interference. The analysis thus relies on two different parts.

First, the Official Baseball Rules definition of terms delineates what spectator interference actually is: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field."

Upon review, Replay HQ in New York determined clear and convincing evidence did exist to declare that spectator interference did occur. To that end, the call on the field of no interference was overturned.

Second, OBR 6.01(e) is triggered only if the spectator interference definition's criteria are satisfied. OBR 6.01(e) states, "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in their opinion will nullify the act of interference." An approved ruling allows the umpire to award an out if the fielder would have caught the ball if not for the interference.

This second part of the equation is where Replay Review encountered more difficulty. Because the video angles available were all from press box/behind the home plate area, and no side angle (e.g., parallel to the fence-line) existed, Replay HQ could not definitely determine what would have happened had interference not occurred. In other words, Replay had trouble with the "nullify the act" portion of the rule.

With a lack of clear and convincing evidence to determine how to nullify the act of interference, that leaves with a peculiar ruling of overturn for the interference part of the equation, but call stands for the nullification portion.

Accordingly, the technically correct language and outcome for this play is that the call on the field of no interference was overturned. It was spectator interference, but because of a lack of clear and convincing evidence to suggest what would have occurred absent the fan's illegal involvement, the home run ultimately stands as called.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 160 - James Jean (1; Warren Schaeffer)

HP Umpire James Jean ejected Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer (strike three call to Kyle Farmer; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Rockies-#Padres game. With two out and none on, Rockies batter Farmer took a 3-2 slider from Padres pitcher Mason Miller for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.70, pz 3.46 [sz_top 3.57 / RAD 3.69]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 7-6. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 9-6.

This is James Jean (61)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 3.72 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 160th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 83rd manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 83 Managers, 25 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Colorado's 5th ejection of 2025, 3rd in the NL West (SD 9; SF 7; ARI, COL 5; LAD 3).

This is Warren Schaeffer's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since June 29 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is James Jean's 1st ejection since August 25, 2024 (Patrick Wisdom; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres, 9/14/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 159 - Scott Barry (1; Jeff McNeil)

HP Umpire Scott Barry ejected Mets 2B Jeff McNeil (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Rangers-#Mets game. With one out and none on, Mets batter McNeil took a 3-2 fastball from Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow beneath the knee (px -0.08, pz 1.53 [sz_bot 1.70 / RAD 1.58 / MOE 1.50]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 6-3. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 8-3.

This is Scott Barry (87)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

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

This is the 159th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 52nd player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 82 Managers, 25 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is New York's 4th ejection of 2025, 2nd in the NL East (WAS 9; MIA, NYM 4; PHI 3; ATL 2).

This is Jeff McNeil's first career MLB ejection.

This is Scott Barry's 1st ejection since August 14, 2021 (Asdrubal Cabrera; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs New York Mets, 9/12/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 157-8 - Laz Diaz (4-5; WAS x2)

1B Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Nationals manager Miguel Cairo and pitcher Jake Irvin (Replay Review decision that upheld 2B Umpire Erich Bacchus' safe call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Nationals-#Marlins game. With none out and two on, Marlins batter Otto Lopez hit a 0-2 sinker from Nationals pitcher Irvin on the ground to second baseman Luis García, who attempted to tag out Marlins baserunner R1 Jakob Marsee before overthrowing first base, originally ruled out by 2B Umpire Bacchus, reversed to safe after crew consultation, and confirmed as safe upon Replay Review as the result of a manager's challenge by Nationals manager Cairo. At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 3-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 8-3.

These are Laz Diaz (63)'s 4th and 5th ejections of 2025.

These are the 157th and 158th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 82nd manager ejection of 2025.

This is the 51st player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 82 Managers, 25 Coaches, 51 Players.

This is Washington's 8/9th ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL East (WAS 9; MIA 4; PHI, NYM 3; ATL 2).

This is Miguel Cairo's 4th ejection of 2025, 1st since August 20 (Todd Tichenor; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Laz Diaz's 4/5th ejection of 2025, 1st since May 25 (Dan Wilson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins, 9/10/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 156 - Junior Valentine (3; Ryan Goins)

HP Umpire Junior Valentine ejected Angels interim bench coach Ryan Goins (ball four call to Trevor Larnach; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Twins-#Angels game. With none out and none on, Twins batter Larnach took a 3-2 sinker from Angels pitcher Andrew Chafin for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow beneath the knee (px 0.94, pz 1.52 [sz_bot 1.81 / RAD 1.69]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 3-1. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Junior Valentine (25)'s 3rd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 3.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 156th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 25th coach ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 81 Managers, 25 Coaches, 50 Players.

This is Los Angeles' 8th ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL West (LAA 8; OAK, SEA 4; HOU, TEX 3).

This is Ryan Goins' 1st ejection since April 17, 2024 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Y [Balk No-Call]).

This is Junior Valentine's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since June 14 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Los Angeles Angels, 9/10/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 155 - Vic Carapazza ( Will Venable)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected White Sox manager Will Venable (strike two call to Lenyn Sosa; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Rays-#WhiteSox game. With one out and none on, White Sox batter Sosa took a 1-1 sinker from Rays pitcher Adrian Houser for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.18, pz 3.56 [sz_top 3.46 / RAD 3.58]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 4-2. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s 3rd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 1.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 155th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 81st manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 81 Managers, 24 Coaches, 50 Players.

This is Chicago's 5th ejection of 2025, 2nd in the AL Central (MIN 6; CWS 5; KC 3; DET 2; CLE 0).

This is Will Venable's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since June 16 (Marvin Hudson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Vic Carapazza's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since Aug 17 (Tanner Swanson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox, 9/9/25 | Video as follows:

Did Runner Interfere So Teammate Could Score?

Chicago trapped Colorado batter-runner Yanquiel Fernández in a rundown as Rockies lead baserunner Warming Bernabel attempted to score. As Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner received a throw from Michael Busch, BR Fernández collided with him, 2B Umpire Alan Porter ruling an out on the tag, but not interference, the delay from the collision allowing R1 Bernabel additional time to score, with a slide into home plate just ahead of the tag attempt.

Should this have been ruled interference or, because Fernández hadn't yet been tagged until after the initial collision (although he was tagged while being shoved away by Hoerner), does the relevant rule pertaining to a retired runner not apply? For reference that rule is Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(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."

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 153-4 - Brian Walsh (2-3; NYY x2)

HP Umpire Brian Walsh ejected Yankees pitcher Devin Williams and manager Aaron Boone (ball calls to Taylor Trammel; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Yankees-#Astros game. With two out and the bases loaded, Astros batter Trammel took a 2-0 fastball and 3-1 changeup from Yankees pitcher Williams for called third and fourth balls. Replays indicate the 2-0 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.71, pz 3.44 [sz_top 3.75 / RAD 3.87 / MOE 3.79]) and the 3-1 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate an at the hollow beneath the knee (px 0.45, pz 1.57 [sz_bot 1.70 / RAD 1.58]), the call was incorrect.*

These are Brian Walsh (60)'s 2nd and 3rd ejections of 2025.

*The 2-0 pitch was located 4.20 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

Official Baseball Rules Definition: "A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in

their hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it..In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that they have complete control of the ball and that their release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught."

These are the 153rd and 154th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 50th player ejection of 2025.

This is the 80th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 24 Coaches, 50 Players.

This is New York's 15/16th ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL East (NYY 16; BOS, TOR 7; BAL 5; TB 4).

This is Devin Williams' first career MLB ejection.

This is Aaron Boone's 6th ejection of 2025, 1st since August 10 (Derek Thomas; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian Walsh's 2/3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since July 8 (Mike Shildt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs Houston Astros, 9/3/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 152 - Dan Bellino (2; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Giants manager Bob Melvin (ball three call to Tyler Freeman; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Rockies game. With two out and one on, Rockies batter Freeman took a 2-2 fastball from Giants pitcher Robbie Ray for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.66, pz 3.04 [sz_bot 3.38 / RAD 3.50 / MOE 3.42]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 5-4. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 10-8.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 1.08 horizontal and 4.56 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

We also review a home plate collision play on Rockies batter Hunter Goodman's single to Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos, who threw to catcher Patrick Bailey as Rockies baserunner R2 Freeman arrived at home plate, resulting in a collision. Because Bailey veered into foul territory—into the runner's path—in a legitimate attempt to field the throw (which itself was off the line) as the runner ran directly toward home plate, this is a legal unavoidable collision and no violation on either the catcher nor the runner. The Giants unsuccessfully challenged HP Umpire Bellino's safe call, which was confirmed.

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(i)(l): "A runner attempting to score may not deviate from their direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher, or otherwise initiate an avoidable collision. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher in such a manner, the umpire shall declare the runner out (regardless of whether the catcher maintains possession of the ball)."

This is the 152nd ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 79th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 79 Managers, 24 Coaches, 49 Players.

This is San Francisco's 7th ejection of 2025, 4th in the NL West (SD 9; SF 7; ARI 5; COL 4; LAD 3).

This is Bob Melvin's 4th ejection of 2025, 1st since June 30 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Dan Bellino's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 10 (Bryan Reynolds; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies, 9/3/25 | Video as follows:

Obstruction in Boston as Runner & Catcher Collide on Batted Ball

"Obstruction!" announced umpire Jordan Baker after Guardians batter-runner José Ramírez and Red Sox catcher Connor Wong collided on a batted ball up the first baseline. Instead of an out, Ramírez was awarded first base and Cleveland's Brayan Rocchio scored from third. What's the rule and did Baker's crew get the call right?

With one out and runners on second and third in the top of the 2nd inning of Wednesday's Guardians vs Red Sox game, batter Ramírez hit a check swing ground ball in front of home plate toward first base. Boston catcher Wong initially pursued the batted ball before stopping once he saw pitcher Steven Matz running to field it, turning around to head back to cover home plate as R3 Rocchio raced in.

But as Wong turned toward home, he collided with batter-runner Ramírez. Initially ruled interference on Ramírez, chief Baker called his crew into consultation, ultimately ruling that, because Wong was not entitled to protection under the rules for fielding a batted ball, he therefore obstructed the batter-runner. Accordingly, the batter-runner was awarded first base and all runners advanced one base.

In general, baseball's right-of-way rules give the fielder the right to field a batted ball (meaning the runners must avoid the fielder lest they be guilty of interference) while the runner has the right to run the bases at any other time (the fielder must get out of the runner's way). However, only one fielder is entitled to right-of-way protection on a batted ball and, in this case, that protected fielder was not the pitcher, not the catcher. As such, the unprotected catcher obstructed the runner's right to run the bases.

This is the correct call pursuant to the following rules:

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when they fail to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interfere with a thrown ball, provided that if two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit of this rule, and shall not declare the runner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field such a ball."

OBR 6.01(h)(1): "If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before they touch first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base they had last legally touched before the obstruction."

Wrap: Cleveland Guardians vs Boston Red Sox, 9/3/25 | Video as follows: