Joe Girardi played the percentages.
In a bizarre play in the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 3-0 win over the Cubs in Wednesday’s matinee, Jacoby Ellsbury appeared to hit a routine ground out to pitcher Jason Hammel, with Brett Gardner scoring from third base, but the speedster was soon sent back to third, with Ellsbury taking first after catcher’s interference was called on John Baker of the Cubs.
Under Rule 6.08(c), the Yankees manager was given the choice of allowing the catcher’s interference call to stand or accepting the result of the play. With Masahiro Tanaka untouchable all afternoon, Girardi, who said he never has seen the play as a manager, but had as a player — opted for the run, giving the Yankees their third run and second out of the inning.
“With zero outs, it would be a little different story,” he said. “With one out, I think you take the run.”
Here is the rule in full:
If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference.
Rule 6.08(c) Comment: If catcher’s interference is called with a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue because the manager may elect to take the play. If the batter-runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base, he shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in Note of Rule 7.04(d). Examples of plays the manager might elect to take:
1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield on which the runner scores but catcher’s interference was called. The offensive manager may elect to take the run and have batter called out or have runner remain at third and batter awarded first base.
2. Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter as he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third base. The manager may rather have runner on third base with an out on the play than have runners on second and first.
If a runner is trying to score by a steal or squeeze from third base, note the additional penalty set forth in Rule 7.07.