This is the one that throws another wrench in handicapping:
THREE-BATTER MINIMUM:
This is the big one that's been grabbing the headlines since it was first reported.
All pitchers -- both starters and relievers -- now have to face at least three batters (or pitch until the inning is over) before they come out of a game. The only exception is an injury or illness that prevents the pitcher from being able to finish his three batters.
The main effect of this rule will be on specialist relievers, who are often used for only one batter to give their team a favorable matchup -- for example, a left-handed pitcher who faces only left-handed hitters, whom he is most likely to get out (often nicknamed a ?LOOGY,? for ?left-handed one-out guy?). There will be no more of that in 2020. The rule could also impact teams that use openers -- typical relievers who start a game to match up specifically against the top of the opposing order. Now, an opener would have to face at least three batters even if he has a bad matchup in that run.
The three-batter rule goes into effect in Spring Training on March 12.
Here's the story. Should be a reliable source, presuming no interstellar malware on my comp:
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rule-changes-for-2020-season
Ft.Lauderdale will be burying this post shortly, but I'm guessing everyone will know this shiite before the Play Ball! thingee happens.
THREE-BATTER MINIMUM:
This is the big one that's been grabbing the headlines since it was first reported.
All pitchers -- both starters and relievers -- now have to face at least three batters (or pitch until the inning is over) before they come out of a game. The only exception is an injury or illness that prevents the pitcher from being able to finish his three batters.
The main effect of this rule will be on specialist relievers, who are often used for only one batter to give their team a favorable matchup -- for example, a left-handed pitcher who faces only left-handed hitters, whom he is most likely to get out (often nicknamed a ?LOOGY,? for ?left-handed one-out guy?). There will be no more of that in 2020. The rule could also impact teams that use openers -- typical relievers who start a game to match up specifically against the top of the opposing order. Now, an opener would have to face at least three batters even if he has a bad matchup in that run.
The three-batter rule goes into effect in Spring Training on March 12.
Here's the story. Should be a reliable source, presuming no interstellar malware on my comp:
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rule-changes-for-2020-season
Ft.Lauderdale will be burying this post shortly, but I'm guessing everyone will know this shiite before the Play Ball! thingee happens.
