MLB makes ‘ghost runner’ rule permanent for 2023 season

The “ghost runner” rule, because it’s extra generally identified, locations a free runner at second base at first of every half-inning throughout extras. It was launched within the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to guard pitchers from harm and operated quickly year-to-year in 2021 and 2022. 

Since its implementation, the rule has largely been efficient. Final yr, solely 11 video games lasted 13 innings or longer, and none lasted longer than 15, as The Athletic’s Evan Drellich and Eno Sarris talked about. 

On Aug. 25, 2021, the Dodgers beat the Padres in 16 innings, the longest recreation with the rule in impact. The sport lasted 5 hours, and 49 minutes, with 489 pitches thrown by 19 totally different pitchers, per ESPN. 

In response to Rogers, the committee additionally voted unanimously to change the rule allowing place gamers to pitch. Prior to now, place gamers might pitch when their crew led or trailed by six runs or extra. 

Main groups now should lead by at the least ten runs for place gamers to pitch. When a crew is trailing by eight runs or extra, a place participant might take the mound. In additional innings, place gamers can pitch whatever the rating.

These are simply two of MLB’s a number of rule adjustments this season. 

The infield shift is banned, and pitchers will work underneath a 15-second pitch clock when bases are empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Pitchers will even have restricted pickoff makes an attempt.

Bases will swap to 18-inch squares quite than 15-inch squares, slicing the gap between bases by 4.5 inches.

A brand new schedule change can be in place. All 30 groups will play one another at the least as soon as in 2023, and interleague play will not rotate divisions.

Traditionalists might not agree with all or many of the new guidelines, however that is the course MLB has been headed for a while now. Whereas particular rule adjustments have taken away a facet of the sport, such because the three-batter minimal, most of MLB’s adjustments have been constructive. 

By way of participant security, roster selections, and efficient time administration, the “ghost runner” is a invaluable addition to the common season. 

From a aggressive standpoint, nevertheless, it will be higher if the rule began within the eleventh inning, giving each groups yet one more “actual” inning to play. 

Spring coaching would be the first alternative to see how the brand new guidelines have an effect on the sport.