The Braves hosted the Padres in the second game of a double header on May 20, 2024.  In the top of the eighth, Pierce Johnson was on the mound for the Braves facing the Padres’ Jake Cronenworth with a 3-2 count. Luis Arráez was on second and Jurickson Profar was on first with two outs. Johnson went into a long SET and with third base vacated because the left side of the infield was shifted toward the middle, Arráez stole third while Johnson was still in his SET.

Questions

  If Johnson balked with Arráez on third, would Arráez score? On a fly out/line out, would Arráez be required to return to second and tag up with less than two outs?  What if Cronenworth hit a foul ball or put the ball in play after Arráez reached third before Johnson went into his motion to pitch?  How would the umpires handle that?

Answer

 Because Arráez reached third base before the pitcher’s motion to pitch, that’s the base he legally occupied at the start of play. His status changed from a runner on second to a runner on third.  If Johnson balked after Arráez arrived at third base, he would be awarded home. Profar would be awarded second base and Cronenworth would remain at bat with a 3-2 count.  If Cronenworth hit a fly ball that was caught, following the balk, the balk rule would be enforced. Arráez would score, Profar would be awarded second and Cronenworth would remain at bat with the 3-2 count he had prior to the balk.  If Cronenworth reached base following the balk and Arráez  reached home, and Jurickson advanced one base, the balk would be nullified.

If there was no balk and Cronenowrth flied out with less than two outs, Arráez  could tag-up from third.

If Cronenworth hit a foul ball after Arráez reached third before Johnson began his motion to pitch, Arráez would remain at third.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.