[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

As I understand it, the logic is that runners have to know that they have to avoid interfering with fielders in the act of fielding a batted ball; and the fielders are big enough to see, know where they are, and react to avoid as necessary. The fact that a pitcher may have touched the ball shouldn't change that; runners have to know know they have to avoid the fielders.

But the deflected ball may often be moving too quickly to avoid it; it has changed direction, and may not be avoidable. In that case, the runner shouldn't be penalized. Unless the runner intends to interfere, in which case the rule allows that to be penalized.

And a ball hitting the runner deflected off any fielder is the same, not just the pitcher.