MLB acknowledges possible umpire error in controversial foul ball call during Padres-Cubs game

Major League Baseball issued a rare statement Tuesday regarding a controversial call during the ninth inning of Monday’s game between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs. The league acknowledged that an umpire may have made an incorrect ruling on a foul ball.

In the bottom of the ninth, Padres closer Mason Miller, who entered the game with a 2026 season-long scoreless streak, faced Cubs infielder Matt Shaw. Shaw hit a weak grounder down the third baseline on a 1-1 count. The ball appeared to be in foul territory from multiple camera angles, with most of it clearly outside the foul line, but home plate umpire Dan Merzel ruled it fair.

Fans and Padres manager Craig Stammen expressed their displeasure after the call. Major League Baseball reviewed the play and indicated that an error may have occurred, citing its Umpire Manual, which states that a ball must be in contact with fair territory to be considered fair. The league’s response suggests disagreement with the umpire’s ruling, though the decision was difficult to judge from camera footage alone.

San Diego third baseman Ty France believed the ball was foul, telling reporters after the game, “It stopped rolling, and I thought it was foul, but they said otherwise.” Shaw later scored on the play, ending Miller’s 34 2/3-inning scoreless streak. Despite the close call, Miller and the Padres secured a 9-7 victory, with Miller emphasizing the importance of the win by stating, “Padres win. That’s what matters at the end of the day.”

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