For the last few years, MLB has been contemplating the idea of making starting pitchers much more of a main character type player. They want it to be as it was decades ago. This discussion has moved into the final stages apparently.
According to a report from ESPN, MLB is thinking about requiring starting pitchers to work at least six innings, though there are some rules and regulations.
This might look ridiculous at first glance as the starting pitcher would have to carry an excessively heavy workload in early innings. If something happens with the starting pitcher, shouldn’t the team be allowed to replace him with another?
The report states that the exceptions to this rule could be proposed and some of them might include:
- Throwing 100 pitches
- Giving up four or more earned runs
- Getting injured (with a required injured list stint to avoid manipulation)
This won’t be a reality anytime soon, but they are discussing it. MLB is not at a stage where they’ve tested in the minor league. They’ve not even tested it in the independent leagues. Also, the team would want a heads-up before the implementation of the rule. As they would need to reconsider the workloads of players.
From the looks of it, we’re years away from the implementation of this proposal. With the implementation of this rule, the role of openers and bullpen games would be diminished. And the main goal of this would be to get actual starters deeper into games.
It is an interesting take on the impact of starting pitchers on the game. However, it will be difficult for teams to adopt this in the modern era.