A runner is on first and running on the pitch. The pitch is fouled off and the runner is returning to first base. Does the runner have to have tagged up prior to the umpire placing the ball back into play? If not, how far back to the bag must the runner be before the ball is placed back into play?
You can throw a new ball to the pitcher before the runner returns, but should not allow it to be put into play until the the runner is back at first base.
.
