MLB news: Regulatory chaos with the "fourth out" in Boston vs. Toronto game

Major League Baseball's 2026 season is providing plenty of drama, with a rare rules confusion in Toronto and a star pitcher's home debut capturing attention. A highly unusual play unfolded on August 10 during a game between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. In the seventh inning, a confusing sequence of events led to a runner scoring on what umpires initially deemed a "fourth out." The situation arose after a fly ball, where runners from Boston failed to properly tag up. The Blue Jays appealed at first base to end the inning, but because the runner from third had crossed the plate before the appeal was completed and Toronto did not appeal at third base before leaving the field, the run was ruled valid under Rule 5.09(c)(4). Crew chief Chris Guccione explained it was a timing play, not a force play, allowing Boston's run to count despite the apparent fourth out. Had Toronto appealed at third base, that out would have nullified the run. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw the much-anticipated home debut of pitcher Tarik Skubal. Acquired from the Detroit Tigers, the two-time Cy Young winner allowed three runs over five innings in a 6-5 victory against the Kansas City Royals. Skubal described the experience as "special," admitting to nerves but also feeling the passion for the game.

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