(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
When MLB cracks down on a rule, you can be sure they end up getting their way.
Both defenders and runners on the bases need to be up to date with the latest news and developments concerning the rules of the game.
In this case, an MLB insider is reporting that the league will try to be more attentive to obstructions in the upcoming season.
“Just had an obstruction call at 3b against Luis Rengifo of the Angels. Instead of a possible out for the defense, runner was awarded home. That will cause a stir next month if/when its called. League has told teams it’s cracking down on obstruction this year,” Jesse Rogers tweeted.
Just had an obstruction call at 3b against Luis Rengifo of the Angels. Instead of a possible out for the defense, runner was awarded home. That will cause a stir next month if/when its called. League has told teams it’s cracking down on obstruction this year.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 6, 2024
Baseball’s “Fielder Right of Way” rule establishes that fielders have the right to occupy any space they need to field or catch a ball in play.
Those who stand in their way will cause the batter to be declared out.
That’s what the rule says, anyway.
However, it appears umpires will be more inclined to call obstructions this year.
If the “Fielder Right Of Way” (interference) favors the fielder, the obstruction rule favors the runner.
By definition, obstruction “describes an act by a fielder, who is not in possession of the ball or in the process of fielding it, that impedes the baserunner’s progress. If a play is being made on the obstructed baserunner, the ball is ruled dead and the umpire can place all runners on the base he determines they would have reached without the obstruction.”
That’s why the runner was awarded home, and a run, on the Rengifo play.
The league seems desperate for more action on the basepaths and runs, and this measure, if applied, only solidifies that notion.
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