Laz Diaz found himself in a tough spot Tuesday night behind home plate during the Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup. With storm clouds looming and the game in the fourth inning, Diaz had to strike a balance between fair officiating and pushing the pace.
The Rangers Call That Stunned Everyone
In the bottom of the fourth, with the Tampa Bay Rays leading 1-0 and Jake Mangum at the plate, Diaz made one of the most questionable strike calls of the season. On a 1-2 pitch that clearly sailed outside, so far it landed in the other batter’s box, he called strike three.
It was a call that shocked viewers, players, and announcers alike. Mangum looked visibly frustrated. The breaking ball was not close, and replays confirmed it.
Weather Pressure May Have Played a Role
The motivation behind the call may have had more to do with the sky than the strike zone. With rain threatening to halt the game before it reached official status, umpires may have felt pressure to speed things up.
Getting past the fifth inning would have made the game count, even if it had to be stopped early. Though the Rays got out of the fifth inning leading 1-0, the game was never called. Instead, it went the full nine innings, and Tampa Bay won 5-1.
While the Rays ultimately won, and the call didn’t impact the final score, Mangum’s batting average took a hit. Meanwhile, Rangers pitcher Tyler Mahle got a bonus strikeout on his stat line.
It was a baffling moment, one that fans and analysts won’t forget anytime soon.
