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Understanding Baseball Protested Game Rules: History, Procedures, and MLB’s Decision-Making Process

Ever wondered what happens when a baseball team feels an umpire’s decision has cost them the game? Enter the world of protested games.

Through the 2019 season, Rule 7.04 governed these protests, giving managers the power to challenge alleged misapplications of the rules. But it’s not as simple as just disagreeing with a call; there’s a process to follow.

A manager must notify the umpires immediately, and if the game ends, they need to file a formal protest by the next day. The league president or executive vice president of baseball operations then reviews the case.

If the protest is upheld, the game can be resumed from the point of the disputed call.