Over the past few years, MLB has been tinkering with the rules to try and improve the game. We have seen various ideas, some simple and some radical. Ideas like a pitch clock, making the bases bigger, removing the shift, etc. These rules have had a lasting effect on the game, both positive and negative. However, MLB’s newest idea for a rule change might be its most radical yet.
The newest proposal calls for a starting pitcher to go at least six innings before being taken out. There are a few expectations for a pitcher to be taken out. Those are, if the pitcher throws 100 or more pitches, if the pitcher gives up more than four runs in an inning, or if the pitcher gets injured. Of all the potential rules the MLB has tried to implement, this might be the worst one yet.
Why This is the Worst Proposed Rule Change
To fully understand this rule, let’s explain why this is even being proposed. The MLB wants to bring excitement back into a starting pitching matchup. The average length of a starter is 5.25, down nearly an inning compared to 2014. Things are worst in Triple-A as the average start doesn’t even last five innings. The hope is that making pitchers pitch longer will generate more excitement and interest.
Although good pitching matchups would drive more interest, this rule is not the way to do it. For starters, it would take some of the strategy out of the game. Although strategy is involved in every sport, there is an emphasis on it in baseball. When to take your starter out is one of the biggest strategic decisions a manager can make. Putting rules on how a starter can pitch will take out some of that strategy. Thus, removing one of the unique elements of the game.
This would also increase the risk of pitchers getting injured. Sure, the exceptions are there to protect pitchers and prevent injuries. However, they don’t cover everything. What if a pitcher throws thirty-plus pitches in an inning? That’s a sign that a pitcher needs to come out. Or, what if a pitcher gets tired after four innings and 80 pitches? They’ll be forced to pitch, making injuries more likely.
How MLB Can Make Pitchers Go Deeper Into Games
Now although this rule is bad, there is a way to get pitchers to go deeper into games. However, it won’t come from any sort of rule change the MLB implements. There has to be a change in the way pitchers are coached and developed. Right now, there is an emphasis on velocity and throwing the ball as hard as you can on every single pitch. This can be seen in pitchers like Paul Skenes, who has thrown more 100 mph pitches than anyone else. However, this style of pitches leads to pitchers getting tired early. Thus needing to be taken out earlier.
MLB teams need to start teaching their pitchers how to “pitch” again. Taking the mound mixing and matching pitches to keep the batter guessing. Being able to paint the corners, and get strike calls they normally wouldn’t. Overall, it’s best to just teach pitchers you don’t have to throw the ball as hard as you can to be successful. There are many different ways to be successful when you pitch. Ways that will get you deeper into games and put less strain on your arm.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my feature image to Richard Rodriguez. You can find more MLB content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.
