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Hurdle forces Cubs infielders to swap gloves on defensive switch

MLB.com

In typical Joe Maddon fashion, things were a little off-center Wednesday for the Chicago Cubs against the Pittsburgh Pirates. No, there weren't any live animals or dress-up themes, just some weirdo defensive rules put to the test.

Here's how things went down in the bottom of the fourth: Eric Fryer was on first with Jameson Taillon at the plate (in a position to sacrifice). First baseman Anthony Rizzo was playing in to anticipate the bunt, while second baseman Ben Zobrist was holding Fryer at first. Cue the glove swap:

However, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle tattled on the pair. As they'd changed positions - and the rules state they have to use gloves for their new defensive spots on the field - so Rizzo and Zobrist had to switch back.

"The only way a first baseman's mitt can be used is by a first baseman. It's in the rulebook," Hurdle told MLB.com's Adam Berry. "When Rizzo came into the infield, didn't play first base, it's an illegal glove. Then you've got a guy playing first base with a fielder's glove."

Hurdle continued: "I asked them about the rules, and he agreed. I guess (umpire Brian) Gorman was already on it at the same time. Zobrist was on the bag without a first baseman's mitt. The only way you can have a first baseman's mitt is you've got to play first base. Rizzo's in the middle of the diamond with a first baseman's mitt. It's not a legal glove."

Taillon laid down the bunt, Fryer advanced to second, and the scoring was ruled a 4-3 sacrifice. Because Rizzo handled the ball, he was a second baseman for one play, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat.

As no stranger to uniquely positioned players, Maddon suggested his team would "play good in the sand box" if the rules were clear.

"The guy closest to first base has to have a first baseman's mitt. That's what they're telling me," Maddon explained to Muskat. "My response to that is when (Kris Bryant) goes and plays in the slot in right field (on a shift) and a ground ball is hit to him, how do you score it? 5-3. If a bunt is hit to Rizzo in that little defense and he throws to second base and then to first, how is that scored? 3-6-4 double play. He's still the first baseman. It's all semantics, it's based on interpretation. Give us something to hold onto and we will."

- With h/t to Cut4

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