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Farrell admits error in botched pitching change

With one out and the winning run in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday night, Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell emerged from the dugout and motioned to the bullpen to bring in closer Craig Kimbrel. But umpire crew chief Fieldin Culbreth denied the request.

According to Rule 8.06(c), a manager or coach is prohibited from making multiple mound visits while the same batter is at the plate. And because Red Sox pitching coach Carl Willis had just gone out to the mound to speak to reliever Addison Reed as New York Yankees pinch hitter Jacoby Ellsbury was coming to the plate, Farrell wasn't allowed to make a pitching change until the next batter.