Thoughts on the Jonathan Lucroy-Jake Marisnick Collision

Yesterday afternoon, my Dad and I saw this collision at home plate between Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy and Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick as it happened.


WARNING: This video might be difficult to watch!!!

The collision and its aftermath nearly made Dad sick to his stomach. It appeared for a moment that Lucroy was convulsing and Dad thought his life was in danger.


In less than 24 hours, the collision has taken on a life of its own. Astros players like pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. defended Marisnick. Angels manager Brad Ausmus, on the other hand, has called for MLB to suspend Marisnick for his actions. Meanwhile, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina rushed to the defense of his fellow catcher Lucroy and launched an expletive laden tirade on his Instagram account which only escalated when Astros shortstop Carlos Correa defended Marisnick.


Frankly, I am puzzled as to why Marisnick didn't slide on the outside of the plate. But after he knocked out Lucroy, Marisnick appeared crestfallen and immediately checked to see if he was alright. Following the game, Marisnick issued an apology via video. Unfortunately, it didn't help matters when someone in the Astros dugout yelled "that's fucking bullshit" when Marisnick was called out at the plate following an umpire review. However, Marisnick was clearly in violation of MLB Rule 6.01 (i)(1) which reads in part:

A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate), or otherwise initiate an avoidable collision. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the umpire shall declare the runner out (regardless of whether the player covering home plate maintains possession of the ball).

When the call was reversed, the scored reverted back to a 10-10 tie. The Astros would win the game in extra innings on a single by George Springer, but it was a hollow victory.


The question now is what Lucroy has to say about all of it, but at the moment he probably isn't in any condition to say much of anything. At last word, Lucroy was hospitalized and has to undergo a CT scan. He will undoubtedly be placed on the 7-Day IL for concussion and possibly the 10-Day IL for a broken nose. At the very worst, this could be a career ending injury for the 10-year big league veteran.


Complicating things is the fact the Astros will be visiting Anaheim for a four game series beginning on July 15th, one week from today. Unless Lucroy is in a forgiving mood and is inclined to issue a statement and shake hands with Marisnick at home plate before the game begins, Angels fans who have been grieving over the sudden death last week of pitcher Tyler Skaggs could channel their grief into anger upon the very sight of Marisnick. If Lucroy is not inclined towards forgiveness, MLB could see fit for suspend him during this series for his own safety. Suspension or no suspension, contrition or no contrition, Jake Marisnick is the most hated man in MLB and fans in every city will let him know it barring forgiveness by Lucroy.


One can only hope the All-Star Break can serve as a cooling off period.