Strict Enforcement of Obstruction Rule Leads to Frustration

It feels like March just started, and yet the end of spring training is fast approaching. However, MLB has begun heavily enforcing the obstruction around the bases rule, and those around the game are less than thrilled about some of the most recent calls and developments that have come about in that regard.

Obstruction, as MLB defines it, is imposed when a fielder hinders a baserunner’s path while not yet being in possession of the ball.

“An act by a fielder, who is not in possession of the ball or in the process of fielding it, that impedes the baserunner’s progress,” the league says. “If a play is being made on the obstructed baserunner, the ball is ruled dead and the umpire can place all runners on the base he determines they would have reached without the obstruction. If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the umpire will allow the play to progress until its natural conclusion and then impose any penalties he sees fit to nullify the act of obstruction.”

This rule is not new around the league. However, the aggressive administration of it is, as MLB attempts to stop defenders from “egregiously” blocking the bases. The contradictory part of the rule, though, is that it is “up to the judgement of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding the ball,” meaning it is strictly a discernment call and one that there is not a clear standard for enforcement on.

Umpires are now mandated by the league to call a violation as they see fit based on the regulations currently in place. If you watched the Mets’ spring training game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, that apparently includes one’s glove as Francisco Lindor stuck his down in an attempt to rob a base runner of a stolen base by simply putting it in front of his shoe.

Francisco Lindor was called for obstruction on this play at second base ⬇️

(via @BallySportsDET) pic.twitter.com/N5viqusY5j

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 21, 2024

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with the media after the contest on Thursday afternoon and offered his thoughts on the rule, also mentioning that he will ask for more clarification since Lindor left at least half the bag open for someone.

“It’s going to drive a lot of people nuts,” Mendoza said. “It’s a tough one. He sets up in front of a base, [Francisco] Álvarez puts it in front of the bag, [Lindor] puts his glove down and his foot in front of the base and he is called for the obstruction.”

Players will have to find ways around the rule in the field as it will be aggressively enforced in 2024.

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