The commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred studies the possibility of limiting 26-man rosters, with 12 pitchers after 2024 in an attempt to encourage teams to prioritize starting pitching.
According to Manfred: “Historically, starting pitchers have been some of the biggest stars in the game, and the way pitching is being used right now has caused a decline in quality as a star for some of our starters.”
He added: “I think there are a lot of fans who feel that the change from ‘Let’s look at today’s pitching pairing’ to ‘Who’s today’s starter?’ “It hasn’t been positive.”
Openers were responsible for 67.84% of the innings in 1998; As of 2016, that number has decreased almost every year. It sat at 57.94% in 2019, at which time the league intended to limit pitchers on rosters to 13 to encourage teams to use each pitcher longer.
The application of that rule was delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic, but there has been little improvement: This year, 57.98% of the innings have been pitched by starting pitchers.
“I don’t think it had the desired effect.”said Manfred. “There are some numbers smaller than 13.” With a smile, he acknowledged that 12 would be the next step, but said he would wait until at least 2024 to make the issue a priority with the competition committee, which would then make a recommendation to the league and players’ association, which would vote.
Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner / Getty Images: Jim McIsaacCredit: Jim McIsaac | Getty Images
MLB bets on new rules
Manfred praised players for adapting to new rules put in place for 2023 to improve the pace of play, such as a shot clock, limitations on pitcher steps and larger bases, and said: “I think it’s important to let things settle a little more.”. He said the competition committee “is thinking of ’24 as a kind of [un período de] adjustments rather than dramatic change.”
Manfred reiterated that he believes the new rules have been a resounding success. He said he is not considering a change to the playoff format.in which the four seeds earn a bye while the lower seeds play a three-game wild card series, although this year produced a World Series with a No. 5 seed and a top seed No. 6.
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2023-10-31 04:00:30
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