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Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have reportedly agreed on several possible rule changes for the upcoming 2022 season, according to New York Post’s Joel Sherman. The most notable changes include expanding lineups for April and resetting the automatic runner to a second in extra-inning situations.
MLB owners still have to vote for these changes to take effect. They will do so next week and require only a simple majority to pass.
Here is some information about each of the proposed rule changes.
1. Extended squads until May 2
Due to the lockout imposed by the MLB owners affecting the spring training schedule, both sides agreed to provide the clubs with a 28-player roster by May 2. Once that day arrives, they will be forced to cut their rosters down to their traditional 26 players. Note that there will be no limit to the number of pitchers a team can carry during the extended roster period; after that they will be limited to 13.
2. Otani’s Rule
The implementation of the universal DH led to the creation of the so-called “Ohtani Rule”. Basically, if a starting pitcher is used as the team’s DH, then they will be allowed to stay in the game as a hitter after their day on the mound is over. In other words, Otani (and other two-way talents) won’t need to throw nine innings to take their bats in the ninth inning and beyond.
3. Automatic runner back; short double headers
The extra-innings second base auto runner is expected to return, albeit only in the 2022 season. Interestingly, given that the runner’s logic is to cut games and reduce pressure on pitchers, seven-inning doubleheaders are not part of the proposal. Instead, both ends of the doubleheader will be nine innings during the 2022 season.