It’s hard to say why the Philadelphia Phillies didn’t challenge this call, but it definitely made MLB fans scratch their heads.
On Monday, the Phillies were playing host to the Baltimore Orioles and were facing a 1-0 deficit in the early goings of the game. In the bottom of the third with one out, Johan Rojas flied a ball out to center field that Aaron Hicks was able to chase down with incredible speed. Unfortunately, Hicks was injured on the play and was taken out of the game, with the injury timeout allowing the broadcast to get another look at the play.
And when they did, it seemed as if Hicks didn’t make the catch at all. The ball popped out of Hicks’ glove as he hit the ground, rolling out and onto the field. Despite video evidence to the contrary, Phillies manager Rob Thomson didn’t challenge the play and let it stand.
Aaron Hicks is leaving the game with an injury after this wild play in centerfield
Looked like the ball came out on replay but the Phillies didn't challenge pic.twitter.com/rKiBXGinqV
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 24, 2023
What a confusing sequence. There definitely seemed to be enough evidence to overturn the call, which would have put Rojas at second and given the Phillies a chance to tie the game. Instead, the Phillies took the out and ended the inning without a score.
MLB fans were so confused by the Phillies and Thomson’s non-challenge of the controversial catch.
Yes, that is a reviewable play and, yes, the Phillies goofed by not challenging it.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 24, 2023
I have no idea on the world why that play wouldn’t have been challenged. Seems like a poor decision by the Phillies.
— Connor Thomas (@ConnorThomas975) July 24, 2023
No clue why the Phillies didn’t challenge this… https://t.co/3TeRKH7Qtk
— SoleSlayer2310 (@SoleSlayer2310) July 24, 2023
With all that technology you’d think they’d challenge https://t.co/blVAKurJZE
— DPBbet (@DPBbet) July 24, 2023
What the heck are we doing man… https://t.co/Dlb632lv2n
— Jack Byers (@JackByersRivals) July 24, 2023
Have no idea what the Phillies were looking at pic.twitter.com/JZjrKWGJ4h
— Connor Thomas (@ConnorThomas975) July 24, 2023
Why are the Phillies not reviewing this?
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) July 24, 2023
The Phillies have made me say “WTF” entirely too many times the last few days. They should have reviewed that. 🫠
— Brooklyn (@Brookie425) July 24, 2023
Why did Rob Thomson not challenge that?
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) July 24, 2023
