MLB’s 2020 season to include new extra-inning format, universal DH
Jun 24, 2020, 9:48 AM
(AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Major League Baseball’s announcement Tuesday that a shortened schedule will commence this summer came with word of unique rules for the abbreviated season.
The league announced a 60-game schedule with opening day on July 23 or 24. It’s a shortened, contorted season ordered by commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday night after billionaire owners and multimillion-dollar players couldn’t come to a new economic agreement against the backdrop of the virus outbreak.
A look at what’s on deck:
— A runner will start on second base to begin all extra innings.
— Designated hitters will be allowed in NL games.
— Pitchers will have their own personal rosin bags.
This season will look like no other in baseball history, the price for trying to play amid a pandemic.
“So long National League. It was fun while it lasted,” Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright tweeted.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that pitchers who in extra frames allow the second-base runner to score will not be charged with an earned run, but they will be subject to a loss decision.
Additionally, the roster limit — normally 26 players — will start out at 30, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. That limit will go to 28 after two weeks and down to 26 after four weeks.
Players must be on the roster by Sept. 15 to be postseason eligible. The trade deadline is Aug. 31.
The league will also allow a three-player taxi squad, a group of players who can travel with the team to be added to the roster if necessary.
Additionally, the 60-day injured list will be reduced to 45 days. There will be a separate injured list for coronavirus-related illness.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.