An error is charged to a fielder when a misplay lets a batter reach base or a runner advance that ordinary effort would have prevented. The official scorer decides every error, usually on dropped balls, bobbled grounders and wild throws. Errors matter beyond the box score: runs that score because of them are unearned, so they do not count against the pitcher’s ERA.
Scoring explained
Errors at a glance
E in the box score
Who decides
The official scorerMLB can review and change scoring decisions after the game
Standard
Ordinary effortWould an average fielder have made the play?
Fielding error
A bobbled, dropped or muffed ball
Throwing error
A throw that pulls a fielder off the bag or sails away
Earned runs
Runs that score because of an error are unearnedThe pitcher’s ERA is protected
Box score
Shown as E followed by the position numberE6 is an error on the shortstop
Fielding percentage
Plays made divided by total chancesErrors lower it
What Is Not an Error
| Play | Scored as |
|---|---|
| Failing to reach a ball | A hit, no matter how close the fielder came |
| A mental mistake, like throwing to the wrong base | No error unless there is a physical misplay |
| Wild pitch | Charged to the pitcher, not an error |
| Passed ball | Charged to the catcher, not an error |
| Letting a foul ball drop to extend an at bat | An error, if it should have been caught with ordinary effort |
Position Numbers
Scorers use numbers for positions: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field and 9 right field. That is why an error on the third baseman reads E5.
Related
What is a sacrifice fly · What is a good ERA · What is a complete game
Scoring rules from the MLB.com glossary.