Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons threw his glove in the air to knock down a ball during the ninth inning of Friday night's game against Pittsburgh.
Pirates batter Josh Harrison hit a sharp grounder to third that Braves third baseman Juan Uribe deflected towards center field. Simmons tossed his glove at the ball and managed to hit it while it was in the air, slowing it down.
Harrison advanced to second on the play, but according to MLB rules, the play by Simmons was illegal and Harrison should have been awarded three bases automatically:
Rule 7.05(b) states: Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril;--Seems pretty clear to us, and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle argued the case to no avail.
It ended up a moot point in the end, as the next Pirates batter singled to knock Harrison home. Still, rules are rules, so why didn't the umpires enforce this one?
As far as the play by Simmons, we've seen gloves tossed around before, but usually the ball is in it.
Video via MLB.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
