There’s been much criticism regarding Major League Baseball’s replay system, most of it negative. After using their only manager’s challenge on a close play at second base—an unsuccessful review—the Mets found themselves unable to contest a far more critical error just a few innings later. This oversight ultimately cost them the game, resulting in a 4-3 loss in extra innings.
Trailing 2–0, Pete Alonso made an impressive diving stop to rob Willi Castro of a hit. He quickly threw to José Butto at first base and seemed to have ended the inning. However, first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled Castro safe, despite clear evidence showing he was out by a wide margin. Butto’s protest allowed Ryan Jeffers to score from second, extending the Twins’ lead to 3-0.
The beloved SNY announcing crew, featuring Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez on that chilly Wednesday afternoon, vehemently disagreed with the call. “They already used their challenge,” Cohen lamented. “They don’t have one available. So, if the call was wrong at first base, the Mets have no recourse. It’s 3-0 Minnesota.” Hernandez echoed Cohen’s exasperation, stating, “Oh, he’s out.”
Indeed, Castro was clearly out. Yet, the Mets announcers also questioned Butto’s response to the situation. “Now, Butto, you’re taught this, and Ron [Darling] is watching at home,” Hernandez explained. “You cannot look at the umpire and assume on the call. When there’s a runner on second base, you gotta catch that ball and look home. Butto didn’t do it.” This scenario brought to mind a similar incident involving David Cone in 1990, where two runs scored as a result of poor decision-making.
“A bad call the Mets could not challenge because they already used their challenge cost them a run,” noted Cohen. “Now a base hit up the middle for [DaShawn] Keirsey, and Castro will go first to third. It’s coming apart here for the Mets in the sixth inning.”
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“You’ve got to turn,” Hernandez emphasized, but Butto failed to do so, and the Mets paid dearly for it. Just three batters later, a shocking incident occurred when a line drive from Tyrone Taylor struck Wendelstedt in the side of the head. The impact was severe, resulting in visible blood and prompting trainers to rush onto the field. The game was halted for several minutes as Wendelstedt received assistance, transforming an already frustrating afternoon into an unsettling spectacle.
Scary scene. 1B ump Hunter Wendelstedt got drilled in the head with a line drive foul ball. pic.twitter.com/Fy1LJSsyNt
— Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) April 16, 2025
The call remained unchanged, the run scored, and the game took on an odd tone, all while MLB’s replay system avoided scrutiny for the misjudgment.
