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The runner is not afforded protection from interference by being hit with a batted ball while in contact with a base except for the IFF. Now, had the fielder contacted the runner as he was attempting to make the play, absent an intentional act to committ interference the runner would be protected.
From the MLBUM
6.5 RUNNER INTERFERES WHILE IN CONTACT WITH BASE
If a runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball, the runner shall not be called out unless, in the umpire's judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the umpire declares the hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: With less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out.
See Casebook Comments to Official Baseball Rule 7.08(b).
Tim.
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