Under the new rule, if a team has its starting pitcher in its lineup as the DH and pulls him during the game, the player can remain in the batting order even after he leaves the mound. So if Ohtani were to pitch six innings, he could still hit for the final three innings plus extras.

Some purists will be disappointed to hear that MLB bringing back its "ghost runner" rule, with extra innings beginning with a runner on second for the regular season. The rule will continue through the 2022 regular season, but the playoffs will see a return to normalcy like last year's postseason.

The league is also expanding its roster size from 26 players to 28 for the entire month of April, as a way to compensate for a shortened spring training. There will be no limit on the amount of pitchers allowed on the roster, which should be welcome news for teams trying to get their pitchers up to speed.

"Some purists will be disappointed to hear that MLB bringing back its "ghost runner" rule, with extra innings beginning with a runner on second for the regular season."

I don't think this is a purist issue, per say. I'm not a fan of it, but I'm more disappointed with the fact it starts right away in extras. At least wait until the 12th or 13th to implement it. IMO, it would be like if hockey went right to shootouts with no OT first. Give teams at least a little extra time under normal rules to win the game.

I actually like it. Does ANYONE really ever watch an 18 inning game? I think with the laser focus on analytics and pitch counts these days, teams would rather Win/Lose right away vs. burn up their entire staff then end up being short handed the next few games while they recover. Especially now that the options up/down are limited. The other option is having your utility IF pitch which is about as stupid.

For once, I think the majority of changes are really good for the game. The Ohtani rule just makes sense for fans. I will be happy if I never again see Ronald Torreyes pitch. I think the ghost runner rule is great, and long overdue. In addition, the players were vocal about their appreciation of the ghost runner rule, so it's a nice touch for the league to enact something so popular. Good on the league for roster expansion as well.

Posted by The_Creeper on 3/24/2022 8:44:00 PM (view original):
I actually like it. Does ANYONE really ever watch an 18 inning game? I think with the laser focus on analytics and pitch counts these days, teams would rather Win/Lose right away vs. burn up their entire staff then end up being short handed the next few games while they recover. Especially now that the options up/down are limited. The other option is having your utility IF pitch which is about as stupid.

Yes, I like to watch 18 inning games.

This rule is terrible, horrible, wretched and abominable. Baseball is becoming a powder-puff farce.

Any and all changes to the game should require the approval of Goose Gossage. Seriously.