The banning of the shift is one of many changes that is expected to take place for Major League Baseball in the 2023 season.
We see many hitters struggle against the shift, namely Joey Gallo.
But all across the league, we see hitters hit line drives that go right into the shift and end up being outs.
Obviously, before the change becomes official, MLB has decided to test the shift ban using a rather simple method.
Farm To Fame on Twitter posted a picture of a field with a chalked off area behind second base, revealing that in the Florida State League, no infielder is allowed to stand in the chalked off area prior to a pitch.
MLB has begun testing ways to ban the shift in the Florida State League
No infielder is allowed to stand in the chalked off area behind second base before a pitch is thrown
(📸 @TheSpenserSmith) pic.twitter.com/9aPTPXvQrQ
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) July 22, 2022
MLB Tests Shift Ban
This is an interesting method MLB is using, but it could work.
It’s a rather simple way to test how things might look if the shift is ultimately banned in 2023.
That’s where MLB seems to be headed, anyway.
This could be a good start, at least for middle infielders.
But often times, you might even see a third baseman playing all the way in the shortstop position during a shift.
This little chalked off box may not help much with that.
But it is worth trying for MLB.
Many people have wanted to see the shift banned for some time.
Fans and players alike have voiced their displeasure with the shift and how it takes away hits.
Beating the shift is much easier said than done, even for the best hitters in the business.
This little change is an interesting way to approach banning the shift though, and it could work.
There are certainly kinks to work out, but it’s a good start.
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