In recent years, Major League Baseball has instituted rules designed to protect both the base runner and catcher from dangerous collisions at the plate. But as we saw on Sunday, even an accidental collision can turn costly and infuriate players.
During the sixth inning between the White Sox and Pirates, Oneil Cruz was thrown out at home as he tried to score on a ground ball to third. Cruz — one of the brightest young players in the game — was hurt on the play. But White Sox catcher Seby Zavala immediately took exception to how Cruz slid into home. Rather than checking on Cruz, Zavala had choice words for the Pirates star.
The broadcast microphones picked up what was said before benches cleared. (Warning: NSFW language)
Oneil Cruz injured after a collision at the plate. pic.twitter.com/wstl87ji0K
— Theo DeRosa (@Theo_DeRosa) April 9, 2023
Zavala said, “(Expletive), what the (expletive) was that?” The teams then had to be separated, but the bench-clearing incident didn’t escalate beyond pushing and shoving.
Benches emptied between the White Sox and Pirates when Oneil Cruz left the game with a leg injury after sliding home pic.twitter.com/aaso0po4bi
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 9, 2023
Obviously, there is serious concern about Cruz, and no player wants to see anyone get hurt. Still, it was easy to see why Zavala was upset. MLB rules require catchers to give the runner a window to the plate, and Zavala did just that, leaving the outside of the plate for Cruz. Yet, Cruz slid inside right towards Zavala.
Zavala even cleared the bat out of the way for Cruz. He wasn’t trying to put Cruz in harm’s way.
Absolutely. Start to finish, he took care of business. https://t.co/0J2eYVniv2 pic.twitter.com/QBztmeKxsC
— Jim Margalus 🥌 (@SoxMachine) April 9, 2023
Cruz left the game due to the injury, and Zavala was replaced the following inning. No players were ejected from the altercation.
Update: Cruz suffered a fractured ankle on the play. Ugh.
Shelton says Cruz has fractured left ankle.
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) April 9, 2023
