If MLB teams were already having issues when managing their pitching staffs and bullpens so far in 2022, things are not going to get any easier from now on.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, teams will now be limited to a maximum of 13 pitchers on the active roster, and not 14 like things stood until today.
“MLB sent memo to GMs, asst. GMs and managers yesterday saying that as of Monday, the limitation on the number of pitchers on an active roster will be 13. Rule originally intended to begin in ‘20 finally will take effect. Earlier this season, MLB twice extended 14-pitcher limit,” Rosenthal tweeted.
MLB sent memo to GMs, asst. GMs and managers yesterday saying that as of Monday, the limitation on the number of pitchers on an active roster will be 13. Rule originally intended to begin in ‘20 finally will take effect. Earlier this season, MLB twice extended 14-pitcher limit.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 17, 2022
Baseball is changing, and MLB teams are optimizing the way they use their pitching resources: starters no longer go seven or eight frames with frequency, and relievers are often asked to throw two or three innings per game at max effort.
Every Pitcher On The Staff Is Extremely Important
That means everyone on the staff is there for a reason: even mop-up guys are important.
Because of this, MLB teams often decide to throw position players to complete lopsided games rather than “burning” important innings from one or several important relievers.
With fewer pitchers available on the roster, one has to think that there will be plenty of position players pitching in the foreseeable future.
Depth is still obviously important, but this decision means a few useful relievers will now find themselves in the minor leagues because of the numbers game.
It remains to be seen if MLB will reconsider this particular rule, or if teams will be forced to fill their roster with just 13 pitchers when innings are obviously at a premium.
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