There’s a margin for error in MLB, but some calls are so blatantly wrong they stop fans in their tracks. Monday night’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles saw one of the worst umpiring decisions of the 2025 season, and it wasn’t even close.
In the fifth inning, Josh Lowe of the Rays laid down a textbook bunt that was fielded by Ramon Urías. The throw to first was late, but umpire Bruce Dreckman still called Lowe out. Despite clear visual evidence that he beat the throw by a full step.
Even worse, the Rays couldn’t challenge the play because they were already out of challenges. Fans were quick to point out the error on social media, sharing screenshots and videos of the blown call that clearly showed Lowe’s foot hitting the bag before the ball arrived.
MLB Game Result Doesn’t Erase the Error
While Tampa Bay ended up winning the game 7–1, the controversial call reignited debates about MLB’s challenge system and the lack of accountability for obvious errors when challenges aren’t available.
Calls like this fuel growing support for expanded replay in baseball. If a play is this clearly wrong, shouldn’t the league allow some form of booth review.
For now, the Rays got the win. But Josh Lowe and baseball fans everywhere are left wondering how such a mistake could happen at the sport’s highest level.
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