The Red Sox and Blue Jays battled in a tight seven-inning game during a doubleheader, and things got weird in the sixth. With runners on first and second and one out, Boston hit into what looked like a routine double play. Third to second, then on to first. But the umpire called the runner Alex Verdugo safe at first, triggering confusion from both teams. Verdugo pointed at the first baseman, arguing obstruction. He looked unsure whether he touched the bag and doubled back just in case. Replays showed both players missed the base the first time. Then the first baseman made contact with the bag while holding the ball, but the out wasn’t granted.
The umpires huddled and explained that for the runner to be called out after missing the base, the defensive team must make a proper appeal. That means the fielder has to know the runner missed the bag and intentionally try to register the out. Since the first baseman didn’t know Verdugo missed it and made no appeal, the safe call stood. It’s a rare rule where a runner can be safe despite not touching first, as long as the defense doesn’t make the right appeal. Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo came out for an explanation but couldn’t do much about it. Meanwhile, tensions flared briefly between coaches, but cooler heads prevailed.
Ultimately, Robbie Ray bailed the Jays out by ending the inning. But the play left fans and players scratching their heads. The internet had plenty of takes, but neither side got the rule exactly right. It’s one of those strange corners of the rulebook that pops up just often enough to confuse everyone on the field.