[mmichaels1970]

Then clearly it is a bad rule because the ball was playable and in the field even though it was "lodged".

It is not. Outfielders are trained to play the natural trajectory of the ball. In other words, “play the carom”. The ball’s natural trajectory was stopped by the gap in the padding.

Similar to the man made obstruction rules in golf.

[PerConPat]

Outfielders are trained to play the natural trajectory of the ball. In other words, “play the carom..."

Agreed...Once the ball is "stuck", regular play is stopped...otherwise it becomes a discussion of how hard was it stuck etc...and endless argument.