Major League Baseball and the MLBPA have reportedly agreed to significant new rules for the upcoming 2022 season.
Most notably, a rule basically centered around Shohei Ohtani is being implemented this year and for the duration of the new CBA. The rule allows starting pitchers who are also hitting in the lineup to remain in the batting order for the duration of the game, even if the player is removed as a pitcher.
Previously, players like Ohtani who pitch and hit had to be pulled from the hitting lineup when they were pulled from the mound.
Additionally, the infamous “ghost” runner will return in extra innings. Luckily, it’ll only last for the 2022 season. Seven-inning double-headers, meanwhile, are moving back to the normal nine innings.
Lastly, rosters will expand from 26 to 28 players until May 1. This is due to the shortened spring training period.
https://t.co/pykb8jO4lF Exclusive: MLB and the PA have agreed to rules that include expanded roster, return of the ghost runner and 9-inning games for double-headers plus a rule for the whole CBA that right now will probably just impact Shohei Ohtani.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 22, 2022
The pitcher, DH rule is a huge step for two-way players. It’ll mostly benefit Shohei Ohtani this season. But it could promote more two-way players.
“This is a huge deal for the #Angels. This would mean the Angels could leave Ohtani in the game to hit even when he’s done pitching,” Jeff Fletcher tweeted.
Stop the presses…
This is a huge deal for the #Angels. This would mean the Angels could leave Ohtani in the game to hit even when he’s done pitching. https://t.co/TOVj2FzgJO
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) March 22, 2022
The “ghost” runner, meanwhile, is a controversial topic in baseball discussions. The purpose is to shorten games that go to extra innings. However, it’s widely viewed as an unnecessary addition to the game as whole.
The rule will go away in 2023, for those who are wondering.
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