Obstruction a point of emphasis for umpires

Major League Baseball is telling managers that umpires will be more observant about calling obstruction on infielders this year.

MLB is concerned infielders not in possession of the ball are impeding runners in violation of rule 6.01 and said the increased emphasis will take place only on the bases and not at home plate.

MLB’S decision was first reported Wednesday by ESPN.

The enforcement adjustment comes after MLB changed a different baserunning rule this offseason, widening the runner’s lane approaching first base to include a portion of fair territory. MLB also is shortening the pitch clock with runners on base by two seconds to 18 and further reducing mound visits in an effort to speed games.

The new runner’s lane overrides a rule that has existed since the National League mandated in 1882 that runners must be within the 3-foot box on the foul side of the base line during the final 45 feet between home and first. Violators were subject to being called out for interfering with fielders taking a throw. The rule was designed to prevent collisions; foul lines intersected the middle of bases until the bags were moved entirely into fair territory in 1887.

COUNSELL READY TO LEAD CUBS

Long before Craig Counsell joined the Chicago Cubs, he knew all about the Chicago Cubs, and they knew a lot about him. Strengths, weaknesses, tendencies. Everything.

It’s a brand new day for Counsell, who managed the Milwaukee Brewers for nine seasons before he was hired by Chicago in November, replacing David Ross in a surprise move. But Counsell is more than just familiar with many of his new players.

As he begins to settle into his new job during spring training — pitchers and catchers for the Cubs held their first official workout Wednesday — the former big league infielder sees his years of facing his new team as an advantage.

“There’s some familiarity from competing for sure. And that feels good. It really does,” Counsell said. “There’s already a connection there because of that. And I like that. And it’s a place for us to start, start a conversation.”

Counsell, 53, led Milwaukee to three NL Central titles as manager of his hometown franchise, often frustrating Chicago with his ability to get the most out of his teams. The Brewers won the division last year, while the Cubs finished nine games back in second.

Just about everyone with the Cubs is interested to see what Counsell is like up close.

“I’ve always respected the way he’s gone about it,” outfielder Ian Happ said. “I think they’ve always had good teams. We’ve had great series against them for years. Always managed the bullpen really well, always felt like he was on top of matchups, on top of, you know, who was coming in. Always heard great things from guys who have played for him with the Brewers.”

HADER TO CLOSE IN HOUSTON >> Newly signed former Padre Josh Hader will close for the Astros and incumbent Ryan Pressly will move into a setup role, new manager Joe Espada said as Houston started spring training workouts Wednesday.

Hader, a five-time All-star, agreed Jan. 22 to a $95 million, five-year contract. The left-hander, who turns 30 on April 7, displaced Pressly, a 35-year-old right-hander who had 102 saves for the Astros in the last four seasons.

• Astros ace Justin Verlander says he is “a little bit behind schedule” due to offseason shoulder inflammation that could prevent him from being ready to pitch on opening day.

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner who turns 41 next week, called the injury “a little hiccup’’ on Wednesday but added he will be “really cautious on how I’m building up.’’

ARBITRATION UPDATES >> Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez lost to the Miami Marlins in salary arbitration on Wednesday, failing in his attempt to win two years in a row.

Arraez was awarded the team’s $10.6 million offer rather than his $12 million request. The decision was made by Keith Greenberg, Stephen Raymond and Richard Mcneill, who heard arguments a day earlier.

Arraez won the 2022 AL batting title for Minnesota, hitting .316 with eight homers and 49 RBIS, then was traded to Miami in January 2023 and won in arbitration when a panel picked his $6.1 million request rather than the Marlins’ $5 million offer.

He won the NL batting title last year, setting career highs with a .354 average, 10 homers and 69 RBIS.

Arraez, who turns 27 in April, is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.

Players lead 7-5 with three cases pending: Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm ($4 million vs. $3.4 million), Tampa Bay outfielder Harold Ramírez ($4.3 million vs. $3.8 million) and Miami left-hander Tanner Scott ($5.7 million vs. $5.15 million).

Tampa Bay reliever Jason Adam also failed to win two years in a row when a panel picked the Rays’ $2.7 million offer rather than his $3.25 million request on Tuesday. SIGNINGS >> First baseman/outfielder Ryan O’hearn and Baltimore avoided a hearing when they agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract.

• Reliever Phil Maton and Tampa Bay finalized a $6.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that includes a 2025 club option and could be worth $14 million over two years.

• Free agent left-hander Scott Alexander reached agreement with Oakland filling a void in a bullpen needing lefties.