The new pitching roster rule in MLB will be implemented in the next few weeks. It may have some effects on teams and how they make decisions.
MLB plans to put into effect the rule that the number of pitchers on the roster drops from fourteen to thirteen. According to the plan that should have happened on May 2nd but was delayed first to May 30th and then to June 19th. Both times to give teams more flexibility as they recover from shortened spring training due to lockout. Therefore, there are just a few weeks left with fourteen pitchers assuming there are no delays.
New Roster Pitching Rule
MLB wants to boost offense and curb pitching a little bit. This is what the new rule is trying to address. Since pitching overall is better than ever and hitters can’t catch up. Offensive numbers have been down significantly the last few years. The league wants to create a better balance in the game and hopefully excite fans. As much as fans appreciate good pitching, it’s home runs that draw attention.
On one hand, fourteen pitchers should be enough with five starters and nine relievers. In years past most teams were only able to use twelve and they made it work. The league has allowed bigger rosters since 2020 with Covid-19 shortened seasons and lockouts affecting schedules. There are teams that have used fifteen pitchers in fact the Dodgers are using sixteen. Also, they have been trying to limit fatigue with bullpens being used more often.
Possible Effects
It brings up some questions about how teams are affected by this change. For many teams, it will be a difference that they will have to adjust to. They took advantage of having the extra pitching options. Since starting pitchers have been struggling to get going this year.
Teams may have a hard adjusting to new rules and will have to be more strategic in how they structure rosters. This could affect many teams they will have to make tough decisions about who they use. Some bullpen players may end up having a bigger workload. Also, there may be more trades as teams will try to strengthen their pitching staff.
Pitchers are going to have to be more efficient because there will be fewer options to work with. Though it may boost offense for teams like Rockies and Angels who sometimes struggle with hitting. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Stay tuned for more on this and other MLB news.
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