Call upheld on replay after challenge by Rangers
Washington asks for review after runner called safe on stolen base attempt in seventh
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers manager Ron Washington challenged a stolen base in Tuesday's game against the Angels, only to have the call upheld.
It was the first time Washington used a challenge under baseball's new replay review system and the third time in Spring Training that any manager has done so. All three calls were upheld with instant replay.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, J.B. Shuck took off for second base and slid in with his left hand just ahead of a swipe tag. Washington hopped up from his seat next to the dugout, notified the umpires of his intention and a 90-second review ensued.
Replay can be initiated by the umpiring crew after the seventh inning, but only if a manager has not used up his challenge. This was the case on Tuesday, meaning the play would not have been reviewed had Washington not taken the initiative.
The new rules give a manager one appeal. If he gets it right, he's allowed one more.
Before the game, Washington had said he was eager to see the system in action.
"If it's something close, we're going to do it and find out one way or the other," Washington said. "That's what it's for. That's why they were putting it in here in Spring Training -- to give us some trial runs. Then hopefully by the time the season starts we've got it down pat."
After the game, Washington said he was pleased with the speed of the process. Umpire Chris Segal told him right away that shortstop Adam Rosales missed the tag, and it didn't take long for Johnson to be proven right.
"It won't always be that simple," Washington said. "Sometimes I might be out there losing my mind before it. But I asked [the umpire] when I got there because I had him out, and he said, 'No Wash, he never put a tag on him.' So we challenged it."