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White Sox make bizarre challenge in MLB playoff game vs Astros: What happened?

During the opening game of the American League wild card series, Chicago manager Will Venable initiated an unusual video review regarding positioning regulations. Following a groundout by Sam Antonacci toward Houston defender Jose Altuve in the fourth frame, the Chicago skipper contested that the second baseman had breached restrictions requiring all infielders to remain positioned upon the dirt surface during a delivery.

Television broadcasts remained inconclusive regarding whether the defender's cleats contacted the grass, and officials ultimately allowed the initial ruling to stand after inspection.

Regulations implemented in the 2023 season dictate that two defenders must stand on each side of the second base bag while all four stay grounded on the dirt when a pitch is thrown. Historical enforcement data reveals twenty-six infractions during the initial year, declining to two in 2024 and a single occurrence in 2025 that also involved a manager's challenge.

Previous penalties progressed from an automatic ball to harsher consequences introduced by 2025, where a violating fielder involved in the initial play results in the batter receiving first base, advancing runners, and an error charged to the defender.

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