Video Teachable - One-Out Time Play in LA

Chief Tom Hallion's crew officiated a time play with one out in Los Angeles as Padres batter Greg Garcia grounded into an inning ending double play. https://www.closecallsports.com/2019/...

Umpires should be aware of the potential for a time play whenever the number of runners on base + current # of outs in the inning adds up to three or more (one runner on base with two outs, two runners on base with one out, or the bases loaded with zero outs). A time play occurs when a third out is made on the bases (usually via a tag, but it also could be due to an appeal play or runners passing call, etc.) as a runner is attempting to score and requires the umpire at home plate to determine whether or not the runner touched home plate ahead of the third out.

In this play at Dodger Stadium, San Diego batter Greg Garcia hits a fair ground ball to first baseman Max Muncy, who steps on first base for the second out of the inning, as called by 1B Umpire Tom Hallion. When Muncy steps on first to retire the batter-runner, he removes the force play on baserunner R1 Franmil Reyes, meaning that when Muncy throws to Dodgers middle infielder Chris Taylor, Taylor will have to tag the runner Reyes (as opposed to tagging second base) in order to retire Reyes. 2B Umpire Sean Barber observes this tag for the third out of the inning as HP Umpire Todd Tichenor determines when the baserunner from third base has touched home plate relative to the third out tag at second base.

Tichenor determines the runner did not score by virtue of the third out occurring first, and signals that the run shall not count. The proper mechanic for umpires disallowing runs as the result of time plays is to wave both arms above the shoulders in a manner that is distinctly different from a safe call. It's important to differentiate a voided run from a safe signal lest confusion reign over the ruling on the runner at home plate.