Major League Baseball announces rule change to prevent dangerous takeout slides

Major League Baseball is trying to prevent dangerous takeout slides at second base by introducing a change in rules that effectively bans rolling block slides.

The new rule, according to ESPN, is codified as Rule 6.01(j), and states that a runner must attempt a “bona fide slide.” This is defined as a slide in which the runner makes contact with the ground before reaching the base, can and does attempt to reach the base with either a hand or foot, can and does attempt to remain on the base until completion of the slide, and slides without changing his path with the intent of making contact with the fielder.

The legality of these slides – as well as the neighborhood play – will also be subject to video review.

MLB also announced a few other minor rule changes, including limiting mound visits to 30 seconds and shortening between-inning countdown clocks.

One manager has already voiced his concern over the rule changes, particularly the fact that the neighborhood play – a previously tacitly allowed tactic where a fielder is given the out for standing near the bag instead of on it to avoid a takeout slide – will now be reviewable.

“We’re making a slide rule that keeps you on the bag,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “You’ve got to be near the bag. And now we’re making a decision on the neighborhood play that you’ve got to stay on the bag. You know what that’s going to mean? Someone is going to get their clocks cleaned.”

Desire for the rule change really picked up after Chase Utley’s brutal takeout slide of Ruben Tejada during the 2015 NLDS, though there has been discussion of doing something about dangerous slides for some time.