3 bad refereeing moments in games affecting the MLB playoffs

TORONTO, ON – APRIL 12: Home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott #81 looks on during the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays MLB game at Rogers Center on April 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

There have been some key game umpire decisions that have affected the MLB playoff race… and some have even affected the outcome of the game.

The MLB playoff picture is largely set, with about two weeks left in the season, but it will likely come down to Game 162 to determine the playoff seeding for many of the teams that will be in the playoffs.

There have been a few games this past week with playoff teams having some bad decisions at key points, including some that changed the outcome of the game.

Here are three bad decisions/moments made by umpires in games that have a significant impact on the playoffs.

3 bad moments from MLB umpires in important games this week

3) Quinn Wolcott at third base (Orioles @ Blue Jays)

The Baltimore Orioles are unlikely to make the playoffs as they have five games left in the American League wild card on Wednesday. However, the Blue Jays currently have the first AL wildcard spot. The two clubs faced each other in Toronto last weekend.

In Sunday’s series finale, in the ninth inning, the Orioles were up 4-3, with runners in the corners with two outs. First baseman Jesús Aguilar was ready to score for the Orioles, and he hit a liner into right field for a base hit. Cedric Mullins made it 5-3, but Gunnar Henderson (who was up first) was kicked out on third base to end the inning.

The problem in that scenario was that third base umpire Quinn Wolcott called Henderson safe… and then called him out a shot later.

As replays were shown, it was obvious that Wolcott’s second call (an out call) was correct because Henderson’s hand slipped into Matt Chapman’s foot. The call was not disputed or reviewed by Third Base. The run also counted, which could have been a disaster for the Orioles.

Had it not counted, clubs would have gone to extra innings as Toronto hit a run late in the ninth. In the end, the Blue Jays lost 5-4.

It’s always best to get the call right, but ideally you want it as the first signal. But as the saying goes: better late than never.