Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have announced two significant rule changes which will go into effect immediately.

As anticipated, MLB and the MLBPA have adopted a new sliding rule in the wake of the now infamous takeout slide by Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley that left Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada with a fractured right fibula during Game-2 of the 2015 NLDS.

Even though Utley’s slide was technically within the existing rules at the time, it was unquestionably late and a big reason why MLB and the MLBPA enacted a new sliding rule.
(Video capture courtesy of TBS – Click on image to view video)

Rule, 6.01(j), reads as follows:

RULE 6.01(j) — SLIDING TO BASES ON DOUBLE PLAY ATTEMPTS

If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:

(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;

(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;

(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and

(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.

According to the interpretation of the new rule, any violation of rule 6.01(j) will result in an automatic double play being called by the umpires.

In addition to 6.01(j), MLB and the MLBPA have also agreed to now make so-called “neighborhood plays” reviewable. The theory behind this expansion of video review is that since the base runner can no longer takeout the shortstop or second baseman in an attempt to breakup a double play (although technically they still can if their slide is “bona fide”), the shortstop or second baseman will no longer be given a “close enough” exemption and must actually touch the bag. And while the intent of this video review expansion is valid, not everyone agrees with it.

“We’re making a slide rule that keeps you on the bag,” said Mets manager Terry Collins after being informed of the elimination of the neighborhood play. “You’ve got to be near the bag. And now we’re making a decision on the neighborhood play that you’ve got to stay on the bag. You know what that’s going to mean? Someone is going to get their clocks cleaned.”

But the simple truth is that adopting the takeout slide rule (which will undoubtedly forever be called the Utley Rule) and the (technical) elimination of the neighborhood play are both long overdue, this in spite of the longstanding argument that both are traditional parts of our 147-year-old national pastime. And while there may be some merit to the argument that an experienced shortstop or second baseman at baseball’s highest level should know how to effectively get out of the way while making a double play, awkward throws (etc.) sometimes put them in a dangerous position. And when teams are investing millions of dollars for their middle infielders these day, Rule 6.01(j) is designed to protect their investments, let alone extending baseball careers.

MLB and the MLBPA also agreed to further improve the “pace of play” by reducing the between-inning time from 2:25 minutes to 2:05 minutes (2:25 for nationally televised games) and now limiting mound visits by pitching coaches and managers to 30 seconds from the time that they exit the dugout until they turn to walk off the mound. The obvious intent of this new pace of play guideline is to prevent coaches and managers from purposely delaying the game to allow relievers additional time to warm up in the bullpen. And although there was no mention of what the penalty will be for violating this new pace of play guideline, it will probably be similar to the batters box rule where a reminder will be given by umpires, followed by a letter from MLB, followed by an undisclosed fine.

Although there will undoubtedly be those who are upset that these new rule changes are being implemented only 38 days before Opening Day, each of the 30 teams will have the exact same amount of time to work these changes into their game during spring training.