Type 2 Obstruction at Third Base in MLB 2024
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…
Third Base Coach Interference?
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…
August 2024 Rules Question and Answer
Question #1 What constitutes passing a runner per rule 5.09 (b) (9)? Is the trail runner considered passing the lead runner if any part of his body passes the lead runner, or does the body of the trail runner have to go completely by the lead runner? In this Eastern League game between the Altoona…
2024 One Base Beyond Rule
The Rays and Yankees played in New York on July 19, 2024 when a relatively obscure rule almost came alive. In the bottom of the fourth, Juan Soto, batting with the bases empty and two outs, facing Zach Eflin, doubled to deep left field. Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena fumbled the ball as it caromed…
How should a fielder or a runner react to a potential lodged ball?
The Rangers and Astros played at Minute Maid on July 14, 2024. In the top of the first inning, the Rangers had Marcus Semien on first and no outs when Corey Seager, facing Ronel Blanco, bounced to Jon Singleton. The Astros first baseman threw to shortstop Jeremy Peña to force Semien. But Peña’s throw to…
Home Plate Collison Rule (No Violation)
The Red Sox and Marlins played in Miami on July 4, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 2-2, the Marlins had Jesús Sánchez on second base with one out when Xavier Edwards singled to center field. Sánchez attempted to score but was called when Jarren Duran made a strong throw…
Plate Umpire Interference
Plate umpire interference was called in back-to-back games on June 24-25, 2024 at Petco Park where the Nationals and Padres played. Both times the Nationals lost stolen bases which were critical because the Nats lost the June 24th game 7-6 in 10-innings and the following night they were defeated 9-7. Ruleball Comments Plate umpire interference is…
Runner Called Out for Running Out of the Baseline
The Guardians and Royals played in Kansas City on June 27, 2024. In the bottom of the fifth, the Royals had Nick Loftin on second base and Hunter Renfroe at bat with two outs when Renfroe hit a ground ball to José Ramírez at third base. Ramirez did not think he had a play at…
Illegal Tag of Detached Batting Helmet
The Blue Jays and Guardians played at Progressive Field on June 23, 2024. In the top of the first inning with the Jays leading 2-0, Justin Turner stole second base with a little help from his batting helmet. Turner attempted to advance to second base with George Springer at bat when Triston McKenzie made a…
Runner Interference on Infield Fly Rule Again in 2024 MLB Season
Twice in a span of six days in the 2024 MLB season, we had a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule situation. The most recent being a game on May 29, 2024 between the Yankees and Angels when Juan Soto was called for interference when the IFR was invoked. Because…
