Baseball Look-Back Rule: Understanding Pitcher Plays & Runner Out Potential

Question
If a pitcher is standing in the circle, off the mound, facing the runner at first with the ball held up in the throwing position but not moving considered to be making a play on the runner or can the runner be called out if she is stopped between first and second base.

Answer
This pitcher is either making a play or faking a play.  In either case, the look back rule is off.   

Make one change to your scenario and you have a totally different situation.  If the pitcher had the ball in her hand, holding it by her side, then the look back rule is on and the runner needs to commit to a base.