MLB Continues To Use MiLB As Testing Ground For Potential Rule Changes
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 08:28PM By Barry Janoff
March 15, 2022: The CBA agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Assn. is bringing numerous changes to the game, but MLB hasn’t stopped there.
MLB today unveiled two experimental playing rules for use during the 2022 Atlantic League (ALPB) Championship Season: the “Double-Hook Designated Hitter Adjustment” and the “Dropped Pitch Rule.”
The rules are “designed to create more action on the field, to reward athleticism and to raise the profile of starting pitchers,” according to MLB.
The experimental rules were previously tested in the Atlantic League on a limited basis.
Once finalized, the MLB-MLBPA CBA will bring some obvious changes to MLB, including a DH in the National League, ad patches on jerseys and helmets and an expanded 12-team playoff
Changes to the All-Star Game and bringing back a runner on second base in extra innings are also being considered.
“Given the positive results of recent years, we are continuing to prioritize the kinds of experimental rules that many baseball fans routinely discuss and want to learn more about,” Michael Hill, MLB’s svp-on-Field operations, said via the league.
“Testing in the Atlantic League and throughout the Minors will provide us with more valuable feedback and data that can be taken into consideration.”
MLB said other rules first tested in the Atlantic League, such as Automated Balls-Strikes, have been expanded to affiliated play in the Minor Leagues, while the ALPB continues to pioneer rules and equipment tests, according to MLB.
Regarding the experimental rules that will be tested to start the 2022 Atlantic League season:
• Double-Hook Designated Hitter Adjustment: The double-hook designated hitter will be modified. In 2021, teams lost their designated hitter when they removed the starting pitcher from the game.
However, in 2022, if the starter is able to complete at least five innings, the designated hitter will be allowed to remain in the lineup for the entirety of the game. This rule intends to place emphasis on longer outings by starting pitchers.
• Dropped Pitch Rule: As in the second half of 2019, batters will be able to advance to first base on any pitch that is not caught in the air by the catcher, even with first base occupied by a runner. Those who get to first base safely will be awarded a hit.
This rule will increase the importance of taking care of the baseball (e.g., pitching with command, receiving, and blocking pitches) and reward athletic players who are able to capitalize on wild pitches and passed balls.
“We continue to be excited about ALPB’s role helping Major League Baseball determine the future of the game,” Rick White, Atlantic League president, said via the league.
“We are proud many of the tests pioneered in the Atlantic League are reaching a broader audience throughout all levels of professional baseball.”
Among other rules tested last season and again this season throughout MiLB are larger bases (Triple-A level) intended to “reduce player injuries and collisions, the site of first, second and third base will be increase from 15 inches square to 18 inches square”; a pitch clock; and “pickoff limitation (Low-A), under which pitchers would be limited to a total of two ‘step offs’ or ‘pickoffs’ per plate appearance while there is at least one runner on base.”
MLB, MLBPA Tentative CBA Brings NL DH, Ad Patches, More Playoffs
MLB Testing Rules In MiLB To Increase Action, Pace
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