The Angels and Rangers played at Globe Life Field on April 15, 2025. In the bottom of the sixth the Rangers had Corey Seager on first base and one out when Josh Jung hit a fly ball in the direction of Angels’ first baseman Nolan Schanuel. Seager paused near Schanuel and was called out by first base ump Charlie Ramos for interference.

The ball was dead immediately. Jung replaced Seager at first base.

Ruleball Comments

• In my opinion Ramos made the proper call. Contact is not necessary for the rule to be invoked.
• The moment that Seager impeded Schanuel the call was made and the ball was dead. No runners can advance when runner interference is called.
• The fact that Schanuel caught the ball is irrelevant.
• A common reason for such types of interference is that the runner does not visually locate the fielder who has the “Right of Way.” This is an area that needs attention on all levels of the game. This interference was avoidable.
• If this was the third out of the inning, or if the ball was caught in foul territory for the third out, Adolis Garcia who followed Jung in the batting order would lead off the next inning.
• If Schanuel caught the ball in foul territory, Jung would remain at bat with less than two outs. The batter (Jung) cannot be placed at first base on a caught foul ball.

Rich Marazzi
Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and Chicago Sports Network