Maddon wants Urias’ pickoff move on umps’ radar

LOS ANGELES — The deceptive move that helped Julio Urias convert an MLB-leading six pickoffs during the regular season and another in the Dodgers’ National League Division Series is one that Cubs manager Joe Maddon hopes will be closely monitored by the NL Championship Series umpiring crew when Urias starts against Chicago in Game 4 on Wednesday.

The move came under particular scrutiny last week after Urias picked off Bryce Harper in the fifth inning of NLDS Game 5. Though the call on the field was not argued by Washington manager Dusty Baker, replays of Urias’ move raised some eyebrows. That’s because, according to Rule 8.05, he appeared to commit a balk.

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As that rule reads: “If a left-handed or right-handed pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher’s rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pickoff play.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 15   CHC 8, LAD 4 Gm 2 Oct. 16   LAD 1, CHC 0 Gm 3 Oct. 18 CHC @ …

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