MLB to ban plate collisions at the plate

May 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets catcher Josh Thole (30) grabs for his head after a collision with Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ty Wigginton (24) at home plate in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Last month, the MLB said they were going to explore banning collisions at home plate and instead make players slide into home on close plays. According to ESPN”s Buster Olney, the MLB has decided to do just that.

"Sources tell ESPN.com’s Buster Olney that there is a strong desire for MLB’s rules committee to to fast track the specific rule changes in time for next season.• Under the rules changes being discussed, sources told Olney:• Catchers will not be allowed to block home plate.• Runners will not be permitted to target the catchers.• The question of whether or not the plate was blocked or the runner targeted the catcher will be reviewable, with an immediate remedy available to the umpires.• Catchers or runners who violate the new rules will be subject to disciplinary action."

The most famous plate collision of the lat few years came in 2011 when San Francisco Giants’ catcher was taken out by Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins.

The MLB Player’s Association will have to agree to the new rules.

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