The new MLB slide rule prohibiting dangerous slides had a major effect on Tuesday, erasing a Toronto lead and instead sealing the victory for Tampa Bay.
Blue Jays went from a 4-3 lead to a 3-2 loss because of new MLB slide rule reversal
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Edwin Encarnacion came to the plate with one out in the top of the ninth inning. The Blue Jays trailed 3-2, but had the bases loaded. Encarnacion grounded to third but Tampa Bay second baseman Logan Forsythe threw wide of first on the relay. Two Blue Jays scored and suddenly Toronto had a 4-3 lead.
That didn't last long, however, as umpires reviewed the play and determined that Jose Bautista intentionally reached out and grabbed Forsythe's leg, violating the new rule in the process.
Rays challenge call that J Bautista didn't violate rule 6.01(j); call overturned, violation: https://t.co/gZO9nEcqxb pic.twitter.com/7O21hhws1u
— MLB Replay (@MLBReplays) April 6, 2016
That would appear to be the right call based on the parameters of the new rule. Bautista clearly reaches his hand out and grabs Forsythe’s foot. The action appears deliberate and not part of Bautista’s natural slide. Even though it seems like the right call, that doesn’t mean everyone likes it. Toronto manager John Gibbons does not seem like a fan.
Gibbons tells reporters: "Maybe we'll come out and wear dresses tomorrow. Maybe that's what everybody's looking for."
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) April 6, 2016
Disagreeing with the ruling is natural for the losing side, but no matter what you think, there is a better way to voice displeasure than that.
