Expert Analysis
The Baseline Rule: Understanding Runner Restrictions and Umpire Judgments in Baseball
Topics: Baseline
Understanding the baseline rule can pay dividends on both sides of the ball. The Official Baseball Rules refer to the runner’s baseline as his base path under Rule 5.09 (b) (1). But I think there is a distinction between a base path and a baseline. When a runner is in a base path he has…
Expert Analysis
Batter Inference NOT Called
Topics: Batter Interference
The Phillies and Diamondbacks played at Chase Field on September 19, 2025. In the top of the sixth, Nick Castellanos struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch from Jalen Beeks with Brandon Marsh on first base and one out. Marsh stole second on the pitch. After Castellanos struck out, he walked into the throwing lane…