Automatic strike

The teams call an automatic strike on a batter who refuses to place in the batter’s box during the at bat play. Out is the next stage of this refusal. The legal stepping out of the box is possible after the umpire’s approval. It makes the ball dead and the runners must take control of the bases occupied earlier. Other reason for automatic strike is the batter steps out during the pitch or hits the catcher caused by negligent swinging. National League rules allow the umpires to call it when the batter delays the play for a second time in a single game.