Joe Maddon protested a game after Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle used a toe tap during his delivery. Maddon believed the move violated the pitching rules, claiming he had been told a foot plant mid-motion was illegal. He voiced his concern to the umpire, who then consulted with the crew. They disagreed with Madden and allowed Doolittle to continue. Maddon pushed back and officially filed a protest, prompting the ump to draw a giant backward “P” in the air for the scorekeeper.
The whole issue traces back to Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards Jr., who had been told earlier his own delivery was illegal for a similar toe plant stop, leading to confusion over what exactly the rule allows. The rule says a pitcher can’t take a second step or reset their pivot foot during the delivery. Madden believed any contact with the ground violated that. The distinction may come down to whether a toe tap counts as a “step.” Doolittle’s delivery involves a light toe tap without weight transfer, unlike a step. Edwards’ motion may have included a full replant and weight shift, drawing the league’s attention.
Maddon didn’t seem upset with Doolittle personally but appeared frustrated with the inconsistency in how the rule is enforced or understood. The video makes the case that tapping is different from stepping, and shows Doolittle’s motion as lacking the intent to advance or shift weight, which may keep it within the rules. In the end, it looks more like a gray-area interpretation than a clear-cut violation.