Baseball · MLB / Rule 05
The infield fly
MLB · 2025In short
Preventing an easy fly ball from becoming an unfair double play.
When it applies
With fewer than 2 outs and runners on first and second, or bases loaded, a fair fly that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort can be an infield fly. A line drive or attempted bunt does not qualify. The umpire declares it; an outfielder catching the ball does not by itself prevent the rule applying.
What happens next
The batter is out even if the ball is not caught. The ball remains live and runners may advance at their risk; they must retouch if it is caught. Removing the batter’s force prevents an easy force double play. If the ball ultimately becomes foul, it is treated as a foul ball instead. Interference can still produce a separate out.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied MLB Official Baseball Rules 2025. Separate operational regulations and later amendments are not inferred. References use physical PDF pages. Explanations are condensed; the supplied edition and its stated competition conditions determine scope.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗