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VIDEO: New 'Utley Rule' ends spring game

MLB.com

That's Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Antoan Richardson attempting to break up a double play late in Sunday's contest with the Toronto Blue Jays, but the second base umpire deemed his slide illegal under the new rules implemented by Major League Baseball.

Colloquially referred to as the "Utley Rule," the updated law was introduced in February to protect infielders from dangerous takeout slides. It's unofficially named after Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley after his hard slide broke the leg of former New York Mets infielder Ruben Tejada in the NLDS last season.

According to the updated rule, new requirements for baserunners are:

  • Slide prior to reaching the base.
  • Slide so you are able to and attempt to reach or touch the base.
  • Slide so you are able to and attempt to stay on the base.
  • Do not change your pathway to the base.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

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