“Phillies genuinely paid off the 3rd base ump”; “Horrible call!” - MLB fans react as Miguel Rojas gets called out for interference

Nobody has shown more infielder versatility for the Dodgers this season than Miguel Rojas. While his club has been able to rely on the Venezuelan in a plethora of roles, on Wednesday, Rojas found himself at the center of a rather unorthodox play.

In the top of the sixth inning during the Dodgers' game against the visiting Phillies on Wednesday, Phillies hitter Brandon Marsh threw down a bunt with a man on second. As the ball bounced into the infield, third baseman Kike Hernandez charged, and tossed the ball to shortstop Rojas at third to ostensibly nail the runner, Alec Bohm.

"They ruled interference on Miguel Rojas here. Just a horrendous call" - Blake Harris

The roar of cheers from thousands of Los Angeles Dodgers fans was soon muted by third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. Immediately following the play, Wendelstedt called Bohm safe, claiming that Miguel Rojas had blocked the Phillies' runner's path by virtue of interference. Upon watching the replays, several fans appeared to disagree.

As per MLB rules, interference occurs when the fielder attempts to block the baserunner's attempts to advance. As per the league's new obstruction guidelines, interference occurs when the fielder attempts to block the runner before he has the ball.

"Awful call" - lamented a fan

"Refs Blowing A Call What Else Is New" - was another addition

"Cost us the game in my mind" - claimed a Dodgers fan

The controversial call led to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' first ejection of the 2024 season. To rub salt into the wound, Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto tied the game on the subsequent play with an RBI groundout.

"Terrible call. Umps were on one tonight across the league." - complained another commenter

"Absolute joke" - wrote another

"That ump is trash" - came as a final indictment of Wendelstedt

Dave Roberts remains on Miguel Rojas' side

Even after being ejected from his club's eventual 9-4 loss, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts maintained that the call did not represent obstruction. As he told AP:

“It was an egregious missed call, that changed the game. He got it wrong. That’s just a fact"

Now just 4-6 in their last ten, the Dodgers are watching the San Diego Padres and Arizona D-Backs climb behind them in the NL West standings. After dropping two of three to the Phillies at home, LA will welcome the Pirates on Friday.