OAKLAND, Calif. -- Crew chief Mike Winters became the first umpire to initiate a review under the expanded replay system, making the call after a collision at home plate during the game between the Indians and Athletics.
Winters requested the review on a close play at home plate that kept Cleveland from breaking a scoreless tie in the sixth inning of its season opener at Oakland on Monday night.
Winters wanted to see if Athletics catcher John Jaso had illegally blocked the plate under baseball's new rule regarding home plate collisions. With Michael Brantley on third and one out, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a comebacker that appeared to ricochet off pitcher Sonny Gray's foot.
Gray quickly retrieved the ball and fired home to Jaso, who tagged a sliding Brantley. Cleveland manager Terry Francona came out to discuss the play, then Winters went to replay and the call was confirmed in 59 seconds.