Alex Rios was called out at second base in the top of the fourth inning of Game 4 of the ALCS Tuesday in Toronto on a controversial replay decision.
Rios was attempting to steal second after singling with two outs in the inning for the Kansas City Royals. He made it to the bag safely after Russell Martin’s throw sailed high, forcing Ryan Goins to jump for the ball. However, the Blue Jays noticed that Rios’ foot came off the bag momentarily as he was jumping back up while completing his popup slide.
Toronto challenged the call and replay showed they were right — Rios’ foot came off the bag while Goins’ tag was still applied. Rios was called out to end the inning.
Commentator Harold Reynolds was upset with the call, saying that it does not fall within the spirit of the rule. For instance, if middle infielders do not actually have to touch second base when turning a double play, why wouldn’t a guy be allowed to have his foot off the bag momentarily as he’s doing a popup slide?
I don’t mind the call at all in this case, but I’ve always felt it’s silly that defensive players are allowed to be in the “neighborhood” of second base while getting credit for force plays at the bag. If you take your foot off the bag and are tagged out, you’re out.
