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Manny Machado of the Dodgers has been noticed as making a number of dirty plays, stepping on infielders' feet or trying to kick them as he slides. For example, in the NLCS he was on first when the batter hit into a double play and he broke it up by deliberately sliding into the shortstop and even tried using his hand to grab the fielder's leg to take him down.
Is there any kind of interference rule or unsportsmanlike conduct rule that can be used in cases like this? What is the penalty?
When sliding into a base in an attempt to break up a double play, a runner has to make a "bona fide slide." Such is defined as the runner making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. The slide rule prohibits runners from using a "roll block" or attempting to initiate contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder's knee, throwing his arm or his upper body or grabbing the fielder. When a violation of the slide rule occurs, the offending runner and the batter-runner will be called out.
Looks to me like he threw his arm but not really conclusive.
There is also a rule on unsportsmanlike conduct.
