MLB Won't Allow Brawling or Arguing in 2020 Due to COVID-19
Major League Baseball has instituted several notable rule changes for the 2020 season, chief among them include the designated hitter in both leagues and starting extra-inning games with a runner on second base.
But the rules keep coming and a few stand out as almost comical. It turns out the league has officially banned brawling and arguing in 2020.
MLB officially announces rules changes:
— Kyle Glaser (@KyleAGlaser) June 29, 2020
- DH in the National League
- Extra innings will start with runner on 2nd
- Arguing/brawling and spitting prohibited
- No pregame lineup card exchange
- Three-batter minimum remains in effect
- Any player may appear as a pitcher
Some managers may have to go back into the clubhouse several times a game to avoid breaking the arguing rule. Or we'll see some walk to an empty part of the dugout and scream at umpires from a distance to follow the protocol.
Fighting/brawling, obviously, was already prohibited. MLB is reiterating its prohibitions will be "strictly enforced" to prevent physical contact. https://t.co/2HJYRiTL0q
— Kyle Glaser (@KyleAGlaser) June 29, 2020
Banning brawling is not too drastic of a change and technically the fighting was already against the rules. We're not sure how these rules will be "strictly enforced," but we can bet it's been made clear to the players' union that there will be serious punishments handed down in the event something does happen.
Baseball is already going to be weird in 2020, and these rules are going to seriously change the sport we know and love for this 60-game campaign.