Report: MLB warns Phillies over lack of warmups for reliever

The Philadelphia Phillies are receiving a warning from MLB about their handling of a relief pitcher in Saturday’s game, according to a report.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported on Sunday that MLB determined that umpire Jerry Layne handled a pitching change well and that the Phillies did not, leading to a warning.

Sources: MLB determines that umpire Jerry Layne handled Phillies' pitching change in the right way, given the circumstances; the Phillies will receive a formal warning letter from MLB.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 1, 2018

Rookie manager Gabe Kapler brought reliever Hoby Milner into the game during the third inning of a 15-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The problem is Milner wasn’t ready, so Kapler tried to stall to give Milner more time to warm up. The pitching change took about 90 seconds, leading Braves manager Brian Snitker to complain.

Milner was originally docked three warmup pitches, but Layne overruled to allow him all eight. Layne said the last thing he wanted was for the player to get hurt.

In the end, it seems Layne used the best judgment, while Kapler justifiably should be warned.