Appeal play after a pitching change

Question

Is it possible to appeal a tag-up play at a base after a pitching change? If so, how does it affect the pitchers' statistics?

For a concrete example, suppose P1 is pitching, runner R3 at third, one out. Batter B hits a fly ball which is caught by the left fielder (two out). Runner R3 advances to home. Now pitcher P1 is removed and replaced with P2. After the pitching change, but before P2 pitches to the next batter, the defense realizes that R3 left third before the fly ball was caught. P2 throws to third to appeal.

• Will R3 be called out, or is it too late to appeal?

• If R3 is out, who is credited with the corresponding 1/3 inning pitched? P1 or P2?

• Suppose this is the last out of the game in a save situation. Who gets the save?

Assume current MLB rules. References to authoritative sources would be preferred if possible. I couldn't find this situation addressed in the Official Rules.

Answer 1

I do not believe this is explicitly discussed anywhere. However, I think the rules are sufficiently clear:

MLB Rules, 5.09(c):

Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before the defensive team leaves the field

I would argue that suggests that the appeal play is permitted after the substitution assuming no pitch or play had occurred in the intervening time period. (And I think warmup tosses are permitted.)

I do think this would be, at least, frowned upon by the umpires, though, as there's no reason to do this (I guess, the team might have been tipped off in the intervening time that the runner left early and they didn't realize it earlier as you say, but really they should just appeal if there's any possibility - no cost to an appeal, as opposed to a review).