Baseball officials seize the bat of Taylor Trammell from the Houston Astros team, following a request by Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, to examine it

In a thrilling game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros, a controversy arose in the ninth inning involving Taylor Trammell's bat. The game, which ended in a 8-4 victory for the Yankees, saw a lengthy delay due to the controversy.

According to reports, Major League Baseball (MLB) deemed Trammell's bat illegal as it seemed to be shaved down at the barrel, a violation of MLB Rule 3.02(a) which states that a bat must be a smooth, round stick. The rule also adds that no colored bat may be used in a professional game unless approved by MLB, as per Rule 3.02(c).

Despite the suspicion, Trammell was allowed to stay in the game as he did not gain an advantage from the alleged modification. Yankees reliever David Bednar, however, struggled with his control after the delay, potentially affecting the game's outcome.

José Altuve was the Major League Baseball player in question, but the focus was on Trammell who expressed frustration after the game, stating that he was told his bat was illegal. The bat was authenticated and turned over to a league official for further inspection by MLB.

Trammell, who played five games for the Yankees last season and 106 games for their Triple-A affiliate, went 1 for 2 in the game, slashing .208/.314/.356 on the season. He doubled in the bottom of the ninth, giving Houston two on with no outs. However, the Yankees managed to hold on and secure the win.

The Astros, with a record of 77-64, have a 3 1/2-game lead over the Mariners in the AL West. The Yankees, on the other hand, trail the Blue Jays by three games in the AL East and host them for a crucial three-game series starting Friday.

Aaron Boone, the Yankees' manager, explained that the team had brought Trammell's bat up to MLB earlier in the series because they thought it might be against the rules. Astros manager Joe Espada stated that the bat used by Trammell appeared worn down and was suspected to be an illegal bat.

It's worth noting that the Yankees and Astros do not meet again during the regular season, but could encounter each other in the postseason. The fate of Trammell's bat and its implications for future games remain to be seen.

Baseball officials seize the bat of Taylor Trammell from the Houston Astros team, following a request by Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, to examine it