Checked swings and whether MLB umpires accurately call them is subject to debate, and there have been plenty of them during this 2020 postseason. The AL Wild Card Series, ALDS and ALCS all featured checked-swing calls that were deemed borderline or questionable.
A pivotal moment in the Yankees’ 2020 postseason hinged on one, too: the Yankees advanced to the Division Series after Aroldis Chapman struck out Cleveland pinch-hitter Austin Hedges on a checked swing.
Here are a few more checked swings from the 2020 postseason:
Jose Altuve strikes out in the 9th inning of ALCS Game Three between the Astros and Rays:
Randy Arozarena strikes out in the 6th inning of ALCS Game Four between the Astros and Rays:
The rules governing checked swings are notoriously vague, which leads to their broad interpretation.