In an attempt to clear up confusion over baseball's new collision rule, MLB executive VP Joe Torre distributed a memo Tuesday clarifying the rule to umpires and all 30 clubs.

MLB made no announcement about the clarification of Rule 7:13.

However, ESPN obtained a copy of Torre's memorandum, which firmly instructs umpires not to call a runner safe, even if the catcher has blocked the plate without the ball, if there is no evidence that the catcher has "hindered or impeded" the runner's path to home plate.

The new guidelines, which were arrived at following several weeks of talks between MLB and the Players Association, will take effect immediately.