MLB Umpires to be More Vigilant in Determining Infielder Obstructions
New York (AP) – Major League Baseball has made the decision to increase vigilance among umpires in determining obstructions by infielders this year, according to a report by ESPN.
The concern is that out-of-ball infielders could impede runners, violating rule 6.01, and MLB has indicated that this increased emphasis will only apply on the bases and not at home plate.
This decision follows a rule change for running on bases this offseason, with MLB deciding to widen the runners’ lane as they approach first base to include part of the fair ball territory. Additionally, MLB has shortened the pitch clock with runners on base by two seconds to 18 seconds and reduced the number of mound visits to speed up games.
The new runners’ lane replaces a rule that has been in place since 1882, when the National League required runners to stay within three feet of the foul side of the base in the last 45 feet between home plate and first. Those who violated this rule were put out for interfering with the infielders’ throwing. The rule was initially designed to avoid collisions, and the foul line ran through the middle of the base until the pads were moved into valid territory in 1887.