Interference/obstruction vs. fair/foul

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by SC Ump

I believe you covered this in the "wrinkle" paragraph, but I just wanted to make sure of my understanding of most codes: The umpire must decide which specific fielder has a play on the ball and only that fielder has the right of way to field the batted ball. The other fielders must yield right of way to the runner(s).

Only one fielder is "protected" as only one can field the ball.

I don't think an umpire would refuse to protect any fielder which was in the proximity to make the play on the batted ball in the scenario we are discussing here (pop-up). My statement was made to denote that all the defenders in the area of the play have the right-of-way.