MLB Rules Questions and Answer September 2023
On-Deck Interference? QUESTION: In the Pirates-Cubs game on September 19, 2023, interference was called on the on-deck batter. Was that the proper call? Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 19, 2023 In the bottom of the sixth, Patrick Wisdom was batting with the bases empty and one…
2023 Batter Awarded Third Base on Infield Overthrow
Do you know there are situations when a batter-runner can be awarded third base on an overthrow by an infielder into dead ball territory? Can you define the terms “FIRST PLAY” and “SECOND PLAY” in the infield? Award of Bases on Infield Throws into Dead Ball Territory Normally when an infielder throws a ball into…
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…
Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games before he began pitching the fourth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. He had pitched three scoreless innings, while allowing one hit. From all accounts and reports, the ejection/suspension was caused by excessive stickiness on his hand and glove. He…
Reds’ Baserunning Blunder Causes Chaos Scoring the Play
The Orioles and Reds played at Great American Park on July 30th. In the bottom of the fifth, the Reds had Kyle Farmer on first base and one out when Nick Senzel hit a line drive that caromed off the left field wall into the hands of O’s left fielder Austin Hays. Farmer, thinking the…
If a Pitcher Crosses the Foul Line, He Must Pitch to the First Batter
Rule 5.10 (i) reads, “If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for,…
Sample Insider Report – Quick Pitch: Illegal and Dangerous
Things got hot in Philadelphia this past Tuesday night after the Mets’ Hansel Robles “quick pitched” Darin Ruf of the Phillies. Insider Observations: Per rule 6.02 (a) (5), a quick pitch is an illegal pitch. “Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With…
