Ruling on interference or obstruction

Question
Situation:Run on second, batter hits ground ball that deflects off pitcher toward shortstop. Before ball reached the fielder runner and shortstop collided. What is the ruling?

Answer
There are a couple of things that will make a difference in this call. Did the runner have enough time to move out of the way of the fielder? Was the fielder within a reasonable distance of the ball when he and the runner collided? Did either of the two try to avoid collision? This is a really tough ruling and all of these factors could determine an outcome.