Major League Baseball announced multiple possible rule changes Tuesday, according to the
Associated Press. The new rules will be tested in the Atlantic League, an independent minor league partnered with MLB.
The changes that
MLB is looking at are a “designated pinch runner, ‘double-hook’ designated hitter rule and further limitations on a pitcher’s ability to make pickoff moves,” reported the AP.
A “designated pinch runner,” would allow a baseball team to place a bench player into the game as a substitute baserunner. Despite making a replacement, both players would be allowed to return to the game. Under current rules, a baseball player is no longer allowed to play in a game once substituted.
The “double-hook” designated hitter rule is more of a punishment towards teams, rather than additional leverage like the designated pinch runner. If a team’s starting pitcher doesn’t go five innings, they will lose their designated hitter (DH), while they’ll get to keep it if a pitcher goes the full five. If they don’t, their pitcher spot in the lineup will be forced to hit for the rest of that particular game.
