Pitcher Chases Deflected Ball
The Red Sox and D’backs played at Chase Field on May 27, 2023. Gabriel Moreno led off the bottom of the eighth facing Kutter Crawford. Moreno hit a shot that caromed off Crawford’s ankle. The ball rolled toward the first base line. Crawford chased the ball and shoveled it to first baseman Pavin Smith for…
Jansen Called for Three Pitch Timer Violations in the Same Inning
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was called for three pitch timer violations by plate umpire Derek Thomas in Boston on May 13, 2023 when the Red Sox fell to the Cardinals, 4-3. Jansen fell victim to the Max Scherzer rule that was born in a spring training game. With the BoSox holding a 3-1 lead…
2023 Home Plate Collision and Pitcher Declaration
Regarding the Collison at Home Plate rule, the catcher has no restriction when receiving a throw from the pitcher or a drawn-in infielder. The following two plays illustrate those aspects of the rule. Catcher Receives Throw from the Pitcher The Nationals hosted the Guardians on April 15, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the…
Catcher’s Interference: All Runners Advanced on the Play
In previous reports, I covered the topic of catcher’s interference and how the increase in calls is concerning and is an underrated problem in the game. In two recent Red Sox games the catcher’s interference rule played a major role in victories for the Sox. In the April 15, 2023 contest between the Angels and…
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 obstruction
Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule. New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/ Definition of Obstruction Obstruction is a fancy…
2023 Batter, Catcher and Shift Regulations
The Batter and Timing Regulations Question: What is defined as being alert to the pitcher with 8 seconds remaining on the clock? Answer: The batter must have both feet in the batter’s box, and facing the pitcher. He must have his eye on the pitcher and be in a position to quickly assess a hitting stance….
Runner Fails to Retouch Base
The Yankees and Red Sox played at Fenway on September 13, 2022. In the top of the second, the Yankees had Oswaldo Cabrera on first base and one out when Miguel Andújar, facing Nick Pivetta, hit a fly ball to Alex Verdugo in right field. Cabrera, who was off with the pitch, went beyond second…
Players Use Detached Equipment to Make Plays
Pitchers Throw Glove Play No. 1 On June 29th the Red Sox and Blue Jays played in Toronto. Boston’s Franchy Cordero led off the top of the third inning facing Alek Manoah. With the infield shifted toward second, the third base area was vacant. Cordero laid down a bunt in the direction of third base….
Three Rule Situations from the 2022 MLB Season
No. 1 In the June 4th Mets-Dodgers game there was a pitching substitution issue involving a position player. With the Dodgers trailing 9-4 entering the top of the ninth inning, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts sent outfielder Zach McKinstry to the mound at Dodger Stadium, but Mets manager Buck Showalter said not so fast claiming a…
