“The Chase Utley Rule”
While Rubén Tejada may not be a common name across the baseball world, he did, as the result of a dirty slide by Chase Utley help create a rule that has changed how runners slide into base.
What Happened to Rubén Tejada?
In Game 2 of the 2015 NLDS, Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley made a hard slide into second base attempting to break up a double play.
His slide took out Mets shortstop Rubén Tejada, causing a fractured fibula.The play was not ruled interference, leading to backlash and calls for a rule change.
The New Rule:
MLB revised Rule 6.01(j) (formerly covering interference on slides) to enforce safer, legal slides into second base. Under this rule:
- The runner must make a “bona fide slide.”
- This means the runner has to make a legitimate attempt to reach and stay on the base.
- The runner cannot initiate contact with the fielder.
- The slide must not go out of the baseline or make an intentional attempt to disrupt the fielder.
- The runner must be able to touch the base with a hand or foot.
- The runner must not change his path to target the fielder.
If a runner violates these conditions, the umpire can call the runner and batter-runner out for interference.
