Ejections 086-88 - Marlins' Pablo Lopez, Don Mattingly & Mel Stottlemyre ejected after Acuña HBP

2B Umpire/Crew Chief Dan Iassogna ejected Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, and manager Don Mattingly after Lopez hit Braves batter Ronald Acuña with the first pitch of Atlanta's 1st inning. Report: https://www.closecallsports.com/2021/...

It would appear that broadcasters may not be aware of MLB's modification of the Intentionally Pitch at Batter protocol for umpires. Prior to the new protocol (which at this point isn't exactly "new" anymore, it existed last season as well), home plate umpires would decide whether to warn, eject, or do nothing on a potential throwing at/beanball incident immediately upon the batter being hit by the pitch or the pitch sailing past the batter.

Under the new protocol, the plate umpire is no longer allowed to make any ruling on the spot and the crew must convene after a potential throwing-at incident and have a conference about whether to eject the pitcher, eject both the pitcher and manager, warn both teams, or do nothing.

As we explain, this change in protocol has produced some unintended consequences that make managing the game more difficult.