In baseball, knowing even the most confusing rules can be useful.
After a replay review, Blue Jays runner Justin Turner was awarded second base in the top of the first inning against the Guardians on Sunday after a defensive player was determined to have touched his detached helmet rather than his body.
Turner ran to second base after catcher David Frye intercepted a ball thrown to the ground by Cleveland starting pitcher Triston McKenzie.
Turner was initially tagged out by Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann, but his helmet came off while sliding headfirst and the tag was only placed on the bouncing equipment.
A replay review initiated by Toronto manager John Schneider revealed that Turner reached the base without touching Schneemann’s glove, and the call was overturned.
Players are not allowed to intentionally remove their helmets to interfere with a tag, but in this case, the runner is considered safe if the helmet comes off during regular play.
The reversal did not have a significant impact on the game, as Turner did not score in the inning.
Similarly, the Braves’ Ozzie Albies was cleared for stealing a base last season when his helmet came off and an opposing player scored a touchdown.
