Illegal Feint Balk

MLB Umpire Development Manual Authoritative interpretation

The pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, may not fake a throw to first or third base. The pitcher is still allowed to fake a throw to second base while in contact with the rubber provided that he makes a legal step towards second. The pitcher, of course, may properly disengage the rubber and then fake to any base. The pitcher is considered an infielder after he properly disengages the rubber.

Note that a pitcher, when faking a throw to second base, is not required to have arm motion in the fake, although a legal step is required.

In addition, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk if, while in contact with the rubber, he attempts a pickoff at first or third base and throws to the fielder who is either in front of or behind the base and obviously not making an attempt at retiring the runner. However, there is no violation if the pitcher throws the ball directly to first or third base in this situation. Also not that there is no violation if the pitcher attempts a pickoff at second base and throws to an infielder who is in front of or behind the base (i.e., this violation is only in reference to pickoffs at first and third base).

There is no violation if a pitcher attempts a pickoff at second base and seeing no fielder covering the bag, throws to the shortstop or second baseman, neither of whom is in the vicinity of the bag nor is making an actual attempt to retire the runner.