The San Francisco Giants became the first team since 1986 to have a protest upheld by MLB. Executive vice president of operations Joe Torre's decision hinged on Rule 4.12(a)(3), just like we all thought it would (so obvi). For the uninitiated, Rule 4.12(a)(3) states that a game should be considered suspended should there be a "malfunction of a mechanical field device under control of the home club." MLB reviewed the video and spoke to Cubs representatives prior to making the decision. Their findings indicated the improper wrapping and spooling of the tarp following its prior usage was to blame for the disastrous results last night.
Giants win 1st MLB protest since 1986
The game will resume Thursday at 4:05 p.m.
Brian Kersey
For those wondering why the Cubs are not compelled to forfeit following their grounds crew’s incompetence, Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt reported to MLB that their efforts in following his orders to cover the field after the debacle left no basis for enforcing Rule 4.16. Tuesday’s game will resume at 4:05 p.m. on Thursday.
While many will drift back to the Pine Tar Game for the last time a protest was upheld, Andrew Baggarly of CSN Bay Area reports that the Pirates were the last successful team to protest, when the umpires called a game before the minimum allotted time had expired.
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