Obstruction or Interference? Tricky call

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Durham

Steve, I am asking here and not stating as fact, but doesn't the rule book in various places make exceptions for the pitcher when it comes to fielding. Because he is so close and not always in a good position to field a batted ball. Like if we get hit and it passes him, it is interference and not a live ball. I am being serious here, not a smart a s s.

For the purpose of obstruction, there is no distinction between fielders, including the pitcher. There is no way the pitcher was protected on this play, as his chance to field the ball was over when he deflected the ball. There are plays in which the pitcher is technically not a fielder, but not in the case of obstruction.

It was clear to me that the pitcher was still reaching for the ball when he altered the runner's path, and that the privilege to do so had expired.