Ned Yost got tossed for the third time this season after a heated argument over a close play at first. It started with a swinging bunt down the line. The umpire called it fair, then ruled the runner safe. Yost thought there was interference by the batter-runner, but the ump stood firm, saying there was no violation. Mics caught the ump explaining that the rule has always been the same: interference only applies if the runner prevents the catcher from making the catch, not the throw. Yost argued that the rule had changed, claiming it used to be about blocking the throw. The ump disagreed and told Yost he had to stop. When he didn’t, he got tossed.
The moment turned into a standoff. Yost insisted the rule has changed over the years. The ump pushed back, saying it’s always been about the catch, not the throw. At one point, the ump nearly laughed as Yost kept protesting. Eventually, Yost gave up and walked off, clearly frustrated. The replay backed the ump’s interpretation—the runner didn’t interfere with the catch, so the safe call stood.
Despite the drama, it ended up being a teaching moment on a little-known part of the rulebook. The frustrated reaction from Yost, who may have had outdated info, was clear. This one came down to a judgment call, and the ump didn’t budge.