Polarizing umpire Laz Diaz has quite the reaction after two straight ABS overturns
Umpire Laz Diaz had a notable reaction after Royals catcher Salvador Perez successfully challenged two consecutive pitch calls during a game against the Red Sox. The challenges highlighted the effectiveness of the Automated Balls & Strikes system, which overruled Diaz's initial calls. Despite the controversy surrounding Diaz, the incident showcased the evolving dynamics of officiating in baseball.
- ▪Salvador Perez challenged two consecutive pitch calls that were initially ruled balls by umpire Laz Diaz.
- ▪The Automated Balls & Strikes system overruled Diaz's calls, confirming Perez's challenges.
- ▪The crowd reacted positively when Perez successfully challenged the second pitch, indicating support for the ABS system.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
MLB Polarizing umpire Laz Diaz has quite the reaction after two straight ABS overturns By Matt Ehalt Published May 19, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Don’t go questioning Laz Diaz on back-to-back pitches. The polarizing umpire lorded over Royals catcher Salvador Perez after he correctly challenged consecutive pitches Monday night. Diaz’s mask shielded whether the veteran official was having fun with Perez or trying to send a message after the veteran did not question a ball call to end the streak, and Perez’s face mask also made it difficult to gauge whether the two had a laugh during the Royals’ 3-1 home loss to the Red Sox.
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