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Marc Lawrence
Posted: 2020-07-19
If the makeshift 2020 MLB season isn’t dizzying enough, there are also a half-dozen major rule changes that fans should be in tune with.
Due to COVID-19, major rule modifications will include
Non-division games versus interleague division rivals: To reduce travel during the pandemic, the streamlined schedule includes 10 games against each divisional opponent, and six games against the ‘natural” interleague rival. In addition teams will paly three or four games against the other interleague teams in the corresponding geographical division.
A Universal designated hitter: Both leagues will use the DH to avoid overtaxing pitchers by having them hit. Both leagues will use the DH to avoid overtaxing pitchers by having them hit.
Position players pitching: There will be no restrictions on position players pitching in 2020. A rule change installed this past offseason would have required teams to designate every player on the active roster as either a pitcher or a position player. That rule has been waived.
Suspended games: If weather forces a game to be cut short before it is official, it will be continued at a later date rather than started from scratch.
Runner on second to begin extra innings: During the regular season, every half-inning after the ninth will begin with a runner on second base. If that runner scores, the pitcher won't be charged with an earned run. The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning will be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter, or a pinch-runner. If the player is a pitcher, the batter hitting before him will take his place.
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Players and managers will be expected to maintain physical distance from all umpires and opposing players on the playing field whenever possible. Players or managers who leave their position to argue with umpires, come within six feet of an umpire or opposing player or manager for the purpose of argument, or engage in an altercation on the field will be subject to immediate ejection and discipline.
Wet rag: Pitchers will be permitted to carry a small wet rag in their back pocket to be used for moisture in lieu of licking their fingers. Pitchers will not be able to access the rag while on the rubber, and they must clearly wipe the fingers of their pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the rubber. Water is the only substance that will be allowed on the rag
Posted: 2020-07-19
If the makeshift 2020 MLB season isn’t dizzying enough, there are also a half-dozen major rule changes that fans should be in tune with.
Due to COVID-19, major rule modifications will include
Non-division games versus interleague division rivals: To reduce travel during the pandemic, the streamlined schedule includes 10 games against each divisional opponent, and six games against the ‘natural” interleague rival. In addition teams will paly three or four games against the other interleague teams in the corresponding geographical division.
A Universal designated hitter: Both leagues will use the DH to avoid overtaxing pitchers by having them hit. Both leagues will use the DH to avoid overtaxing pitchers by having them hit.
Position players pitching: There will be no restrictions on position players pitching in 2020. A rule change installed this past offseason would have required teams to designate every player on the active roster as either a pitcher or a position player. That rule has been waived.
Suspended games: If weather forces a game to be cut short before it is official, it will be continued at a later date rather than started from scratch.
Runner on second to begin extra innings: During the regular season, every half-inning after the ninth will begin with a runner on second base. If that runner scores, the pitcher won't be charged with an earned run. The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning will be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter, or a pinch-runner. If the player is a pitcher, the batter hitting before him will take his place.
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Players and managers will be expected to maintain physical distance from all umpires and opposing players on the playing field whenever possible. Players or managers who leave their position to argue with umpires, come within six feet of an umpire or opposing player or manager for the purpose of argument, or engage in an altercation on the field will be subject to immediate ejection and discipline.
Wet rag: Pitchers will be permitted to carry a small wet rag in their back pocket to be used for moisture in lieu of licking their fingers. Pitchers will not be able to access the rag while on the rubber, and they must clearly wipe the fingers of their pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the rubber. Water is the only substance that will be allowed on the rag