On Deck Batter

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

As it appears that a ball contacting the ODB must be ruled either a blocked ball or interference, what is to stop the defense from using this to their advantage to kill a play and return runners to the last base touched or attempt to get a free out?

The umpires.

Use the same judgment and authority that allows you to refuse to rule obstruction when you judge a runner goes out of their normal running pattern to appear to be impeded, to refuse to award a base to a batter that appears to want to be hit by the pitch, and to declare a catcher aiming at a runner out of the running lane without making an attempt to make the play an unsportsmanlike act. Rule 10.