direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher."

Marisnick was on a direct path to home plate running down the chalk on the foul line. He clearly deviated from that path and initiated contact with the catcher who was outside of the direct path between the runner and home plate. Marisnick violated the rule and injured Lucroy. He deserves the suspension.

I understand Marisnick says he was trying to anticipate what Lucroy was going to do and claims that's why he lunged inside. Regardless it's a rule violation.