MLB Implementing 3-Batter Minimum for Pitchers Ahead of 2020 Season
By Chris Russo
The MLB may have just succeeded in trying to improve baseball's pace of play.
Major League Baseball will implement a three-batter minimum for pitchers at the start of the 2020 season. This is likely the largest addition in a series of rules to be applied in the upcoming campaign.
Per Manfred: The three-batter minimum, 26-man roster, and 15-day IL for pitchers will be implemented for 2020
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 11, 2019
In addition to the three-batter minimum, the league will implement a 26-man roster as well as institute a 15-day injured list for pitchers. The league will also work on furthering fan safety measures, with all 30 ballparks expanding protective netting.
All teams will expand netting in 2020, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announces. Good call!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2019
The three-batter minimum will reduce pitching changes, which is important considering the time of the average MLB game has steadily increased over the last two seasons.
Meanwhile, a 15-day minimum stay on the injured list will prevent teams from manipulating the standard 10-day IL in order to create an artificial six-man rotation. Teams such as the Dodgers have been known to place pitchers on the 10-day IL in order to open up a spot start for an additional arm. Tacking five more days onto the IL stint will effectively put an end to that tactic.
Commissioner Rob Manfred says he expects three-batter minimum and other new rules, including 15-day minimum IL for pitchers, to be "fully operational" in 2020.
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) December 11, 2019
Get ready for fewer trips to the bullpen, less frequent IL stints and an additional face in the clubhouse in 2020, as these rule changes will hit the ground running with the new campaign.