MLB permanently adopts automatic runner in extra innings

• MLB made the rule adjustment mandating an automatic runner on base in extra innings.
• This reduces the burden on pitchers.
• The committee also made changes to the prohibition of using position players as pitchers.

The joint competition committee of Major League Baseball (MLB) made the rule adjustment mandating an automatic runner on base in extra innings for regular-season games permanent on Monday.

After being implemented on a trial basis in 2020 as a health and safety measure during the Covid-19 outbreak, the rule has been in place for the last three elections.

Every inning after the ninth will start with a runner on second base for each team until the winner is decided.

The adjustment reduces the burden placed on pitchers and increases the likelihood that prolonged extra-inning games will not occur.

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The competition committee, which was made up of six MLB representatives, an umpire, and four players, also made changes to the prohibition on using position players as pitchers.

Position players were not permitted to pitch in 2022 unless there were extra innings or their side was up or behind by six runs or more.

Notably, designated two-way players like Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were exempt from the restriction.

Starting this season, position players can only pitch in extra innings if their team is losing by at least 10 runs in the ninth inning or is trailing by at least eight runs at any point during the game.

The number of position players utilized as pitchers has significantly increased in recent seasons, reaching a record high of 132 such instances in 2022. The previous benchmark was 90 in 2019.

For the 2023 season, MLB will also adopt longer bases, a pitch timer, and restrictions on the amount that fielders can move in defense of batters.

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