Someone needs to explain to me why Lux was not declared safe at home in Wednesday’s game.
MLB Rule 7.13
Rule 7.13 was introduced by MLB on February 24, 2014. It was first introduced as an experimental rule for both MLB and MiLB that would be implemented for the 2014 season. Below is a list of the main key points of the rule:
- A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate).
- Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score.
- The failure by the runner to try to touch the plate, the runner’s lowering of the shoulder, or the runner’s pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in violation of Rule 7.13.
- Notwithstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 7.13 if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the Umpire determines that the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the runner and that contact with the runner was unavoidable.
Tyler Heineman was blocking the plate well before the ball got there, and Gavin Lux did not have a path to the plate. Heineman did not move so it wasn’t that the ball took him into the runner’s path. Heineman could absolutely have received the ball without blocking the plate. Even the Pittsburgh announcers said that Heineman was blocking the plate, not as a criticism, but rather as a compliment.
Next time, the Dodger runner needs to level the catcher and tell the umpire that the catcher was blocking the plate and contact was unavoidable. Heineman did not move to the ball, he set up blocking the plate and did not move. I have no objection to what Tyler Heineman did, but If the umpires are not going to enforce the rule, then take it out.
Lately, Dodger runners are getting blocked off the base and not able to get to it on a play. Christian Walker did it on pickoff throws. Geraldo Perdomo did it when blocking 2B on a pickoff and not allowing Trea Turner to get to the base. Same with steal of 2nd attempts by both Arizona and Pittsburgh. The difference is that Pittsburgh middle infielders cannot catch. Ketel Marte and Perdomo did very well blocking 2B and making the catch.
Ke’Bryan Hayes did it twice in the series, once on Lux and once last night on Chris Taylor. CT3 had no path to 3B. He had to reach around and try to go behind so he would avoid contact. But according to the Baseball Rules Academy, it was not obstruction by Hayes (I agree), but if Taylor had taken Hayes out, he should not have been called out either. See: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/can-a-fielder-block-a-base/
Look where Hayes’ foot was. Again I do not believe there was obstruction, but the Dodger runners need to push the envelope themselves. I guess I am tired of bases being blocked against the Dodgers, but the Dodgers not retaliating by running over the fielder or blocking the base themselves.
Just a little venting about some of poor fundamentals being played right now.
I don’t remember if Roberts objected much on any of those plays.
Going back a couple of Posts—
I love your reply Jeff. It explains a lot. There may be a few Piazzas but they are lucky to get after the first 25 picks are taken each year. It appears pitchers are more prone to being developed than hitters.
Talking draft reminded me of a time I sat next to Logan White for three hours on a flight out of Vero Beach a while ago. He seemed to enjoy talking Dodgers so I didn’t feel guilty talking Dodgers with him for those 3 hours. Well, maybe a little bit.
He said he loved pedigree, loved players that played multiple sports, and came from a strong family. He liked talking with a potential draftee’s parents.
I told him I liked Loney who was a prospect at the time and he said he liked the Cubs’ Lee as the model first baseman. I mentioned a couple of pictures on my radar and he shared a couple of pitchers he thought were headed up. Neither of mine or his did well.
Dodgers outfielder Kevin Pillar has fractured his left shoulder, according to a club announcement. He’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, with utilityman Zach McKinstry recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his active roster spot.
This is both good and bad for Pillar. He is on the IL (the bad), but he is getting paid his MLB contract while on the IL, and it gets him closer to that 10 years of service time for full pension (the good).
I am guessing that McKinstry will stick this time, as he would probably have been called when one of the pitchers needed to be taken off the 26-man (June 19).
The Dodgers have recalled Caleb Ferguson from OKC and have optioned Michael Grove to OKC to make room. Ferguson was pitching very well in OKC since he was optioned. He has pitched in 4 games. Allowed a walk and HBP. No hits or runs. He pitched in B2B games May 27 and May 28.