A rare and confusing rule caused problems in two recent MLB games. First, during a White Sox vs Orioles matchup, a pop-up led to an infield fly call. The batter was out automatically, but then the runner on second was also called out for interference. The White Sox manager was stunned and asked what happened. The umpire said the runner impeded the fielder while returning to the base, even though the catch was made cleanly. The manager wasn’t having it, pointing out there was no effect on the play.
Then the Yankees had a similar situation against the Angels. Bases loaded, infield fly is called, and Juan Soto is ruled out for interfering with the fielder while trying to return to the bag. Aaron Boone lost it. He argued Soto was on the base and the ball was dropped so runners could’ve advanced. The umpire crew stuck with the call because Soto made contact before reaching the base. Boone demanded a rules check, insisted they look at the replay, and cursed his way through a long back-and-forth.
In both games, the umpires got the call right by the book. But the rule itself is under fire. MLB supposedly told the White Sox the umps could have used better judgment. Boone’s argument highlighted how the strict interpretation makes no sense in plays that don’t disrupt the outcome. Managers say now that this loophole is known, it might be exploited. It may be time for MLB to clean up the rule to match how the game is actually played.