Automatic runners in extra innings are sticking around for a third straight season.
Despite an easing of pandemic restrictions, Major League Baseball and the players association reached a tentative agreement to keep the controversial rule starting each team with a runner on second base during extra innings for the 2022 regular season.
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The deal is subject to approval by MLB team owners, which likely will take place next week, a person familiar with the agreement said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized. The New York Post first reported the agreement.
The agreement regarding on-field rules modifications also includes expanding active rosters from 26 players to 28 from opening day on April 7 through May 1 this year because of the delayed start of spring training.
Another new rule will benefit Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. With the designated hitter adopted in both leagues, pitchers who start games in the batting order can remain in the game as a DH after leaving the mound. A DH also can enter the game to pitch. That change will apply to multiple seasons.
The “zombie” runner modification was applied to the 2020 and 2021 regular seasons as part of the Operations Manual, which covered procedures to deal with COVID-19. The modification was not applied to the 2020 and ‘21 postseasons.
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Despite an easing of pandemic restrictions, Major League Baseball and the players association reached a tentative agreement to keep the controversial rule starting each team with a runner on second base during extra innings for the 2022 regular season.
ADVERTISING
The deal is subject to approval by MLB team owners, which likely will take place next week, a person familiar with the agreement said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized. The New York Post first reported the agreement.
The agreement regarding on-field rules modifications also includes expanding active rosters from 26 players to 28 from opening day on April 7 through May 1 this year because of the delayed start of spring training.
Another new rule will benefit Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. With the designated hitter adopted in both leagues, pitchers who start games in the batting order can remain in the game as a DH after leaving the mound. A DH also can enter the game to pitch. That change will apply to multiple seasons.
The “zombie” runner modification was applied to the 2020 and 2021 regular seasons as part of the Operations Manual, which covered procedures to deal with COVID-19. The modification was not applied to the 2020 and ‘21 postseasons.
MLB and players union agree to keep automatic runners in extra innings and expand rosters for 1st month of season
Automatic runners in extra innings are sticking around for a third straight season. Despite an easing of pandemic restrictions, Major League Baseball and the players association reached a tentative…
www.chicagotribune.com
