SURPRISE, Ariz.
Baseball players will have to bring their “bona fides” as they break into a slide on the base paths this season.
Major League Baseball announced on Thursday an addition to existing rule 6.01 on “Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher Collisions.” Slides on potential double plays will require runners to make a “bona fide” attempt to reach and remain on the base.
A runner won’t be able to change his pathway to the base or utilize a “roll block” to initiate contact with the fielder.
The runner who engages in a “bona fide” slide won’t be called for interference even if he makes contact with the fielder.