Controversial No-Swing Call in Guardians vs. Twins Game Sparks Debate Among MLB Fans

MLB fans had varying opinions on the decision from the home plate umpire.

The Guardians picked up a 5–2 win on Wednesday against the rival Twins, but the result wasn’t without some controversy.

Minnesota held a 2–1 lead with two outs in the top of the ninth inning and needed just one more out to end the game. In a 2–2 count, Jhoan Durán threw a wild pitch to Bo Naylor, which allowed a run to score. Upon review, however, it appeared as if Naylor had swung his bat while trying to avoid the pitch. 

Home plate umpire José Navas didn’t see it that way, declaring that Naylor didn’t swing. The Guardians tied the game and went on to win in extra innings. Had it been determined that Naylor had swung, the Twins would have won, 2–1.

The controversial no-swing ruling from the umpire sparked a debate among MLB fans as to whether it was the right decision, with arguments from both sides getting tossed into the ring.

Swing or not? pic.twitter.com/yGtXEYWSEy

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 30, 2023

Cleveland gets a gift.

That’s 100 percent a swing from Bo Naylor on Duran’s wild pitch. Should have been strike three and the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/QKKtf3gXwE

— Puckett's Pond (@PuckettsPond) August 30, 2023

He’s avoiding the pitch not making “an attempt to strike the ball.” So by MLB’s rule book it is not a swing.

— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) August 30, 2023

Well the hitter running to first base tells you what he thought

— Brandon Spratt (@brandospratt7) August 30, 2023

No. There was no intent and the ball was past him by the time he "swung."

— John (@FantasyNut2017) August 30, 2023

Is it a swing? Yes
Do I think it should be counted as a swing? No

— Joey Feiler (@jfcatcher23) August 30, 2023

Bo Naylor went around in every sense of a swing but somehow @MLB replay gets it wrong…again.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 30, 2023