Mets Pull Off the Strangest Double Play After Bizarre Batter's Interference Call

Karl Rasmussen | Jul 31, 2024

Minnesota Twins' Max Kepler is hit in the back of the helmet by New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez. / Screenshot via Talkin' Baseball on X

The New York Mets managed to turn a highly unusual double play during Wednesday's tilt against the Minnesota Twins after the umpire called for batter's interference.

Tylor Megill was on the mound for the Mets, and he struck out Twins slugger Max Kepler on an 0-2 count. The runner on first, Brooks Lee, attempted to steal second, but the throw from New York catcher Francisco Alvarez richocheted off the helmet of Kepler, who failed to get out of the way while walking back to the dugout.

As a result, the Mets were awarded a double play, as Kepler was called for batter's interference, preventing Alvarez from making a throw to second base.

Max Kepler was called for batter’s interference after Francisco Alvarez drilled him in the helmet pic.twitter.com/ERviJgeDlG

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 31, 2024

That's certainly an unusual way to escape an inning. What initially seemed to be a tight spot for Megill to work through ended in the blink of an eye, as Kepler's lackadaisical return to the dugout resulted in the throw from Alvarez careening off his helmet.

Talk about a brutal at-bat for Kepler, who not only went down on strikes, but committed a violation while taking a baseball to the helmet.