Coach Jim

[Guest Coach Jim]

After a pitcher has become set, and a runner takes off from second for a steal, must the pitcher step back off the rubber before throwing to third?

[Richvee]

No. If the runner took off before the pitcher started his motion to pitch, the pitcher may step and throw to 3B. This is an attempt to retire a runner, and is the exception to the rule that states it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base