Ask UEFL - Fielder vs Runner Right-of-Way and Chicago-Cleveland Interference No-Call After Collision

We were asked about a play in Cleveland in which Guardians runner R2 Josh Naylor and White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson collided on a batted ball. Was this interference? Article: https://www.closecallsports.com/2022/...

We refer to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10), which states that a batter or runner is out if said offensive player fails to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. In general, the following right of way rules of the road apply to the base paths:

The FIELDER has the right of way (to field the ball) on a batted ball;
The RUNNER has the right of way (to run the bases) at all other times.

We also dive into the MLB Umpire Manual, which states furthermore that a fielder is protected while "in the act" of fielding a batted ball. In the act, according to MLBUM, includes the part of the play after fielding a ball, but before the fielder has had a chance to throw it.

We also find an Approved Ruling from MLBUM that states that the fielder is still protected on a batted ball, even if the ball deflected off the fielder, as long as the ball is still within the fielder's immediate reach.

Accordingly, this play in Cleveland constituted interference on Naylor against Chicago's Anderson, and umpires should have ruled the play as such (dead ball, Naylor out, batter awarded first base).