Farrell gaffe delays pitching change

NEW YORK — A big win over the New York Yankees also featured an embarrassing moment for Red Sox manager John Farrell.

With the Red Sox and Yankees tied 2-2 in the ninth inning and reliever Addison Reed facing pinch-hitter Jacoby Ellsbury, Farrell stepped out of the dugout and attempted to get the attention of home plate umpire Laz Diaz. Farrell then signaled to the bullpen to summon Craig Kimbrel in the middle of the at-bat.

But there was a problem.

Pitching coach Carl Willis had already gone out to talk to Reed after Ellsbury was announced into the game, and rule 8.06 (3) states: ‘’The manager or coach is prohibited from making a second visit to the mound while the same batter is at bat.’’

When Farrell attempted to make the switch to Kimbrel, he was told by Diaz that it wasn’t permissible. Farrell somewhat sheepishly returned to the dugout, watched as Reed got Ellsbury on an infield groundout, and then went back out to make the pitching change he had intended to make before.

“In the ninth inning, I messed up,’’ said Farrell. “I know the rule. I messed up trying to get Kimbrel into the game.’’

Reed was not happy with Farrell attempting to remove him from the game in the middle of an at-bat, and when Farrell came out the second time to successfully make the change, ESPN cameras showed Reed, his back turned from home plate, shouting expletives.

Later, Willis could be seen talking briefly to Reed in the clubhouse, patting him on the back while he spoke.