Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made a smart base running play in a recent game between the Blue Jays and Orioles, tagging up from first to second on a deep fly ball to center. The move put two runners in scoring position with one out, removing the double play threat and setting the Jays up to extend their lead. Even the Orioles’ announcers acknowledged it was a heads-up play. But moments later, the Orioles appealed at first base, claiming Vladdy left early. The umpire called him out, and Guerrero looked shocked. Confused, he searched for support from his coaches, but no one backed him. They didn’t challenge the call, saying time had run out, and seemed to agree with the ump rather than defending their own player.
Breakdowns of the available footage show Guerrero’s foot on the base at the time of the catch. The problem was his body leaned forward just before the catch, giving the impression he left early, but his foot clearly stayed in contact with the bag. Multiple angles, although grainy, support that. Adley Rutschman, likely the one who prompted the appeal, pointed it out to the ump, who made the call without a review. A lack of support from the Jays dugout and coaching staff left Guerrero frustrated. He knew he was right and wanted someone to have his back. Instead, the inning fizzled out and the Jays failed to score. They went on to lose the game, and those missed runs mattered. The call, and the refusal to back Guerrero, may have cost them the win.