A lodged ball is covered by Rule 5.05 (a) (7). A ball is considered lodged if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natural trajectory of the flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play. A batter ball that sticks in a fence, scoreboard, shrubbery, or vines located on the playing field should be considered a lodged ball.

Likewise, a ball that goes behind a field tarp or wall padding without leaving the playing field should also be considered to be lodged. A lodged ball occurs anytime the momentum of a rolling ball is stopped abruptly and sticks or is stuck under the fence padding, shrubbery, etc. Runners are awarded two bases from the time of pitch.

Here are some things to consider about a lodged ball. How easily the ball may be retrieved by the fielder is not a factor as to whether or not to declare the ball lodged. The determination is subject to replay review.

If the outcome can be determined by review, the replay review ruling will stand regardless of the action and the call on the field. If an umpire has gone out into the outfield or anywhere in the park and can see that the ball is lodged, he should stop the play immediately. This is regardless of whether the fielder plays or raises his hands, and the rule two bases from the time of pitch should be enforced.

If the umpire cannot determine whether or not the ball is lodged from his position, the ball will be kept in play regardless of the fielder’s actions. Unless the ball is played by the fielder, the umpire should then go out and inspect the ball. If the fielder retrieves the ball before the umpire can expect it, then the play stands unless it is overturned at the command center.

Of course, in the minor leagues and in amateur baseball, teams do not have that luxury.