MLB Umpire Walsh Faces Scrutiny After Missed Strike Calls in Orioles-Blue Jays Game

During a tense game between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, home plate umpire Brian Walsh made a widely criticized missed strike call on a pitch that was clearly down the middle, sparking outrage from broadcasters, fans, and players alike. This controversial call, deemed by some as one of the worst in MLB history, intensified calls for the adoption of the automated ball-strike (ABS) system, which uses Hawk Eye technology and has been tested successfully in Minor League games and the All-Star Game. Orioles broadcasters and fans vocally expressed their frustration during the broadcast, highlighting the impact of such errors on the game. Walsh has faced scrutiny previously for questionable strike calls, including a recent controversial call in a game between the Diamondbacks and Astros. Meanwhile, in a separate MLB event, Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was hit in the head by a 96 mph pitch but fortunately recovered after a frightening moment on the field. These incidents underscore ongoing concerns about umpiring accuracy and player safety in Major League Baseball.