Overview

• Boyd extended his MLB-leading total to eight pickoffs with another baserunner caught leaning at Wrigley Field on Saturday.
• The southpaw’s motion replicates his delivery to the plate and exploits a subjective 45-degree balk rule that rarely gets enforced.
• Despite footage showing his right foot stepping toward home plate beyond the permitted angle, umpires have declined to call a balk this season.
• Orioles announcers Kevin Brown and Ben McDonald publicly raised concerns on MASN about whether Boyd’s move crosses the line into illegal deception.
• Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy says Boyd’s mastery of the pickoff stems from decades of dedicated practice and precise footwork.