{
  "id": 12275133,
  "title": "We have another roof-assisted out in the MLB playoffs, this one in favor of the Rays against the Yankees",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/we-have-another-roof-assisted-out-in-the-mlb-playoffs-this-one-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T01:46:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/we-have-another-roof-assisted-out-in-the-mlb-playoffs-this-one-in-favor-of-the-rays-against-the-yankees-014613168.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the MLB playoffs, the Tampa Bay Rays have once again benefited from a roof-assisted out against the New York Yankees. This incident occurred during Game 2 of the ALDS, with the Rays leading 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning. Yankees right fielder Spencer Jones hit a high fly ball to center field, which ultimately hit the roof structure of Tropicana Field. Four Tampa Bay defenders were tracking the ball, but right fielder Victor Mesa Jr. managed to catch it after a brief scramble.\n\nUmpires convened to discuss the ruling, ultimately determining that Spencer Jones was out. The TNT broadcast provided an explanation for the play, noting that there are four metal ringed scaffolding structures adjacent to the dome's roof, lettered A through D. Each ring carries its own set of ground rules. Jones' fly ball hit the B ring, which is considered a dead ball in foul territory and a live ball in fair territory. Since Jones' fly ball was to center field and was caught by Mesa, it resulted in Jones being called out.\n\nWhile it's an interesting situation, the ball would not have been a home run without the assistance from the roof at Tropicana Field. With a 106.4 mph exit velocity and a 44-degree launch angle, the ball had to travel a significant distance to clear the centerfield wall. Although balls with similar characteristics have been hit as home runs in other parks this season, none of them managed to clear the center-field wall at Tropicana Field, according to Baseball Savant.",
  "summary": "As to whether this one would have otherwise been a home run, the analytics say that it's unlikely.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Yankees relying on Cam Schlittler to even series against the Rays",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/yankees-relying-on-cam-schlittler-to-even-series-against-the-rays",
        "published": "2026-10-04T18:08:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}