Spring training produced a couple of wild rundowns that tested players’ rule knowledge and left umpires scrambling to get the calls right. In one play, a Rays runner on third mistakenly thought the bases were loaded and casually walked home on a walk, assuming a run had scored. He quickly realized his mistake and reversed course, triggering a chaotic rundown. During the mess, he passed the runner originally on second, who had also reached third. That mistake meant the second base runner was out for being passed, even though he never moved. The original runner, despite his confusion, was actually safe after baiting the defender into tagging the wrong guy. The umpires huddled, sorted out the mess, and got the call right.
In another play, Cubs outfielders Cameron Maybin and Jake Marisnick ended up on second base after a misplayed rundown. Maybin, the lead runner, got back to the bag and was ruled safe. Marisnick was tagged and ruled out, which is the proper call since two players can’t occupy the same base unless it’s forced. But then things got weird. Maybin, not realizing he was safe, wandered off the bag. Marisnick stayed put, briefly becoming the legal occupant. The ump called Marisnick out anyway, missing Maybin’s exit. Another conference followed. The ump admitted he missed it and reversed the call. Despite the confusion, the officials ultimately reached the right decisions. These plays served as a reminder that even routine plays can unravel fast when players lose focus or forget the rules.