ST. PETERSBURG — The bottom line is what always matters in replay challenges, and the bottom line Monday was the review crew in New York got it right when they ultimately ruled right fielder Steven Souza Jr. had indeed caught a foul ball during the fourth inning.
It was the time spent reaching that conclusion — 5 minutes, 3 seconds — that raised some concerns.
Also, the confusion surrounding the original call and what was being challenged.
“It is a little ridiculous that they spend 5, 10 minutes on the replay, and I don’t agree with that,” starting pitcher Drew Smyly said after the Rays’ 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays.