Ejections 014-15 - Mets and Cardinals Clear Benches After Yoan Lopez Buzzes Nolan Arenado Near Head

HP Umpire Jeremie Rehak ejected Cardinals DH Nolan Arenado and 1B Coach Stubby Clapp for their roles in a Mets-Cards fight situation in St Louis. Report: https://www.closecallsports.com/2022/04/mlb-ejections-014-15-jeremie-rehak-1-2.html After earlier HBP situations, including one which injured Mets player JD David, knocking him out of the game, Mets pitcher Yoan Lopez threw a first-pitch fastball in the bottom of the 8th inning inside and shoulder-high to batter Arenado for a called first ball, resulting in a benches-clearing incident after Arenado's response. In fight or potential fighting situations, including bench clearing brawls and otherwise, umpires are instructed to identify primary aggressors—who instigated the fight—and to eject that person (or multiple persons). In this situation, replays are clear that Arenado was that primary aggressor for actions, including grabbing and throwing New York catcher Tomas Nido to the side prior to the benches clearing. Similarly, Clapp was ejected for appearing to wrap and drag Mets player Pete Alfonso to the ground from behind. This is to be interpreted as an excessively violent act during a fight similar to throwing a punch and, accordingly, Clapp was removed from the game. Warnings, which had not previously been in place, were issued following the benches-clearing incident. Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) pertains to both intentionally pitching at the batter and the issuance of warnings and states that if the umpires deem the pitcher has intentionally pitched at the batter's head, the pitcher should be ejected "without hesitation" due to the danger of such an act. If intent is not ascribed, however, there can be no ejection unless the pitcher participates in the fight or instigates it through actions *that do not include the pitch thrown* (e.g., aggressive gestures, walking toward the plate, etc.). If the umpires do not deem the pitch intentional, although no ejection of the pitcher/manager may occur for "intentionally pitch at batter" reasons, warnings MAY be issued. Unlike ejections, warnings do not need intentional throwing at incidents for issuance, though coincidentally, they most often do occur as a result of such pitches. OBR 6.02(c)(9) Comment states: "If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at any time during the game."