Kenta Maeda needed just one pitch to record the first out Tuesday night. However, that was not to be taken as a sign of things to come in the second of a three-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins.
Maeda slowed to a languid pace of roughly 30 seconds between each offering during a 35-pitch third inning. Even that paled in comparison to what unfolded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Twins manager attempted a double-switch with one out, a runner on second base, and Yasiel Puig batting.
The strategy is common in a National League game, but of course not so in the American League where lineups include a designated hitter.
Molitor intended to insert Ehier Adrianza at shortstop, and have reliever Ryan Pressly replace fellow right-hander Trevor Hildenberger. Under such changes, Adrianza and Pressly were to bat ninth and seventh, respectively.
However, home-plate umpire Lance Barrett relayed to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that Pressly was entering the game “in the five spot.” That meant left fielder Eddie Rosario was to be removed. When Pressly delivered his first pitch to Yasiel Puig, Rosario was still at his position.
Roberts approached Barrett to raise issue over the Twins’ defensive alignment. “The player who was supposed to be out of the game was still in the game,” Roberts said.
“I just wanted to get clarity and make sure the pitcher was in the right spot, the right players were out there playing defense, and it wasn’t the case. The umpires did a good job, it took a little bit, but we got it right.”
Yasiel Puig likes his coffee. He did not enjoy the delay. pic.twitter.com/TztDZhRDC7
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) July 26, 2017
After the umpires huddled with one another and conferred with both managers, a review was initiated with New York. The total time of delay was 18 minutes. Fans at Dodger Stadium grew restless and a small “We want baseball” chant broke out.
Crew chief Bill Welke explained to pool reporter J.P. Hoornstra that official changes made to the Twins’ lineup card did not reflect the team on the field. Without precedent for this type of situation, it prompted the review with an umpire at the replay center.
A decision was made to restore the players on the field to what was reflected on the lineup card. Thus, Jorge Polanco returned to left field, Adrianza replaced Rosario in left field, and Pressly remained on the mound.
Ultimately, a decided edge went to the Dodgers, considering Rosario’s bat was no longer in the game. “That was different, Roberts said. “I guess it was a learning experience for all of us.”
Naturally, Molitor was not nearly as understanding or accepting of the situation. “I had it marked on my card that Pressly was going in the seven-hole and Adrianza was going in the nine-hole,” he said.
“I don’t know if I said a wrong name, or what I possibly might have said. I can’t imagine I said Belisle for Rosario. [Barrett] heard what he heard. If I didn’t make it clear, then that was my responsibility.”
