baseball rules explained

Expert Analysis

When Runner Interference Changes to Obstruction

Topics: Obstruction

The Nationals and Orioles played at Camden Yards on Aug. 14, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan O’Hearn was batting facing Jacob Barnes with Jackson Holliday on first and Coby Mayo on second and one out. O’Hearn hit a shot that deflected off the thigh of Barnes. The ball rolled to the foul…

Expert Analysis

Aaron Judge Hit by Batted Ball

Topics: Runners

Is a runner always out when struck by a batted ball? The answer is “no.” The Yankees and White Sox played at Guaranteed Rate Field on Aug. 13, 2024. In the top of the seventh, Aaron Judge was on first base and one out when a sizzling grounder off the bat of Austin Wells made…

Expert Analysis

Smart Baserunning with Baseline Rule

Topics: Baseline

The O’s and Guardians played at Progressive Field on Aug. 2, 2024. In the bottom of the sixth the Guardians scored two runs on a sac/fly in their 8-4 win. The Guardians had the bases loaded and one out. Brayan Rocchio was on third, Austin Hedges was on second and Steven Kwan was on first…

Expert Analysis

Runner Appeal 2024

Topics: Appeal

The Padres and Rockies played at Petco on Aug. 4, 2024. In the top of the third, Ezequiel Tovar was batting facing Matt Waldron with Aaron Schunk on first base. Tovar hit a pop fly that was caught in foul territory by first baseman Luis Arraez. Schunk was running with the pitch. He was deked…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Interference Rule That Creates A Balk

Topics: Catcher Interference

The Rays hosted the Marlins on July 30, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh, Jose Siri was at bat facing Austin Kitchen with José Cabellero on third base. Cabellero broke for the plate in an attempt to steal the dish. Marlins catcher Nick Fortes jumped out in front the plate. Plate ump Tripp Gibson called…

Expert Analysis

Two Runner Interference Plays in 2024

Topics: Runner Interference

Runner Interference Rule with Infield Fly Rule For the third time this season, there was a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule play. The Mariners and Red Sox played at Fenway on July 31, 2024. With one out and runners at first and second in the bottom of the seventh…

Expert Analysis

Type 2 Obstruction at Third Base in MLB 2024

Topics: Obstruction

The Angels and Mariners played in Seattle on July 23, 2024. In the top of the fifth inning, the Angels had the bases loaded and no outs. Nolan Schanuel was on third, Brandon Drury was on second, and Mickey Moniak was on first. Zach Neto was at bat facing Logan Gilbert. Neto laid down a…

Expert Analysis

Third Base Coach Interference?

Topics: Coach

The Mariners hosted the Angels on July 22, 2024. In the top of the ninth with the score tied 1-1, the Angels had Brandon Drury on second and Zach Neto on first with two outs when Jo Adell singled to center field. Both runners scored. Neto advanced home because of a throwing error by M’s…

Don't strike out!

Become a part of the largest baseball rules community in the world!

Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former Major League Baseball players and umpires.