Largely in response to New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada suffering a broken leg in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, Major League Baseball announced new provisions in February for slides into second base.
The ‘Chase Utley Rule’ mandates runners who are trying to break up a double play to make a “bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base.” The Los Angeles Dodgers challenged a slide at second base during the Freeway Series, but were unsuccessful and manager Dave Roberts was told by umpires more clarity is needed on the new rule(s).
On Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays took the lead in the ninth inning on a would-be double play ball that was thrown away after an out was recorded at second base. However, it was ruled Jose Bautista’s slide was illegal, and the Tampa Bay Rays were awarded a game-ending double play.
Bautista’s slide was hardly egregious, as he was well within reach of the bag. Where Bautista did error is in grabbing at Logan Forsythe’s leg as the shortstop attempted to turn the double play.
While that slide is in the national spotlight, it’s not the first brush with the new rules this season. Utley’s slide into home plate during the Opening Day contest between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres has also drawn some attention and criticism:
Although Utley did not make significant contact with Padres catcher Derek Norris, the veteran infielder’s reputation doesn’t grant him any benefit of the doubt. When asked about the sequence, Utley explained he was simply attempting to make the throw home a difficult one, per ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
“I think any time you can try to get in the line of the throw, the better chances you have of being safe,” Utley told ESPN.com Tuesday. “We were taught that in spring training, and obviously I was taught that a long time ago. It was definitely emphasized this spring training here.”
Utley previously remarked he expects there to be an adjustment period with the new rules in place. He was reprimanded with a two-game suspension over his NLDS slide, however it was later overturned. He’s been the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter through the first three games of the season.
