Why MLB um atlanta braves jersey men 3xl pire Angel Hernandez was actually right with controversial call in Blue Jays vs. Red Sox

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You know what they say about broken clocks . . .

Whenever MLB umpire Angel Hernandez's name is mentioned around baseball, it's usually to a collective groan or boo or rolling eyes. But, credit where credit is due: Even though it was controversial, Hernandez got one right TuesdayClayton Kershaw night.

During the Blue Jays-Red Sox AL East showdown in Boston, Hernandez awarded Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez first base for a confusing, but totally legitimate, reason: Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi licked his fingers while standing on the pitching rubber, which is an automatic ball.

Hernandez got the call right. Pitchers can lick their fingers before drying them off on their uniform atlanta braves spencer strider to get a grip on the ball, but they can't be in contact w atlanta braves jersey tshirt ith the rubber when they do so.

MORE: Why Red Sox's Tanner Houck can't pitch in Toronto

Given that Martine atlanta braves jersey dress z was in a 3-2 count, the auto-ball gave him a base on balls.

For those i atlanta braves jersey dog n doubt, consult the MLB rulebook, rule 6.02(c) for more:

(c) Pitching Prohibitions

The pitcher shall not:

(1) While in the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s plate, touch the ball after touching his mouth or lips, or touch his mouth or lips while he is in contact with the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher must clearly wipe the fingers of his pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the pitcher’s plate.

PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires shall atlanta brav Matt Chapman Blue Jays Jerseyse shirts immediately remove the ball from play and issue a warning to the pitcher. Any subsequent violation shall be called a ball. However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. Repeat offenders shall be subject to a fine by the League President.

Pitchers may also blow into their hands on Marcus Semien Rangers Jerseys cold nights, provided that the umpiring crew as well as both managers are OK with that prior to the start of the game.

While there's debate as to whether Hernandez should have been strict in enforcing the rule — or if it's even his call to make — one thing is for sure: He was 100 percent correct in his application of the rule.

Broke Nelson Cruz Nationals Jerseysn clocks, and all . . .