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What can teams do when umpire has inconsistent strike zone?

Sports Asked on July 23, 2021

I was watching a game between the Blue Jays and the Rangers and several times the ball was clearly in the strike zone, but balls were called and vice versa. The Blue Jays coach was furious and got sent off after the 3rd inning.

My question is the following. When an umpire has a very inconsistent strike zone that, does the league offer any recourse for teams to challenge this? Do they not have access to video reviews for these kind of calls?

2 Answers

Rule 9.02 in the MLB Rule Book covers judgment calls made by the umpire (which includes determining whether a pitch was a ball or strike). What is not reviewable is covered in a MLB FAQ.

In short, this type of judgment call is not subject to objection1 or review2. If there is reasonable doubt, the manager may appeal the decision3 as a recourse. Then, umpires may consult4 to make a final determination.

1 - Rule 9.02a, 2 - aforementioned MLB FAQ, 3 - Rule 9.02b, 4 - Rule 9.02c

Correct answer by user527 on July 23, 2021

There is no immediate recourse, as mentioned by Mastermind_Ed, but, long term, if there is an issue, a team can let the league know they have concerns, and the officials are constantly having their work reviewed, graded and evaluated (as they are in all sports at almost all levels). If an umpire can't consistently call balls and strikes, they will be replaced and will not be assigned to those duties at that level.

Letting the league know one has concerns, especially with today's technology in looking at where the ball crosses the plate in relation to the strike zone, can probably bring attention to and accelerate a review where necessary.

Answered by PoloHoleSet on July 23, 2021

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