MLB Plans On Strict Enforcement Of Overlooked Base-Running Rule

According to the MLB, they want to strictly enforce the obstruction regulation when it comes to base paths. MLB source Jesse Rogers claims that the league met with managers with the intention of pressuring teams to enforce stricter rules against defensive players who could be obstructing bases.

MLB Plans On Strict Enforcement Of Overlooked Base-Running Rule

This season, Major League Baseball plans to request that umpires “strictly enforce the obstruction rule around the bases.” Rogers continues, “This move is the result of several years of observation. The league was scheduled to have a video conference with the thirty team managers on Wednesday.”

The rulebook already addresses obstruction; it is included in Rule 6.01(h), along with the several situations that come under its subhead. In particular, Rogers emphasized two frequent transgressions that occur at second and third base:

The enhanced enforcement of the rule, which is already on the books, will mostly impact plays around second and third base. The most common infraction is when a middle infielder puts his lower leg on the ground to block the runner’s path to second, sometimes leading to hand or ankle injuries depending on how a runner slides. A common infraction at third base involves an infielder moving up the line to block a runner’s path as he receives the ball from an outfielder.

By tightening up on the obstruction rule in 2024, the MLB intends to reduce the number of injuries that could occur from big-ass plays at the bases, especially at second and third base.

In an effort to prevent needless contact between the runner and the defense, the league last season considered enforcing the plays in issue with more rigor. Instead, the bases were enlarged.

This rule’s flaw is that it is up to the umpire’s discretion and is not subject to review or protest. Umpires have the authority to declare a defensive player safe at base if it is assessed that the player is impeding the baserunner.

This is the second spring in a row that MLB is making an effort to more strictly enforce its own regulations. Pitchers who violated the rules of foreign substance or “sticky stuff” breaches were warned to be extra careful by the league last spring. It was a hectic exhibition season for the umpires and players, of course, since the league was also adopting a raft of new regulations, such as the pitch timer and defensive posture limits.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will play to kick off MLB’s exhibition season on Thursday, February 22. Furthermore, on March 20–21, almost a month later, the two clubs will begin the regular season with a two-game series in Seoul, South Korea.

 

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