MLB has unfortunately decided to bring back the extra-inning runner at second base rule in 2022.
This came literally less than two weeks after they had initially decided to scrap it, along with seven-inning doubleheaders.
Most people around the game of baseball are not in favor of this controversial rule, citing it as not being traditional baseball or the way the game should be played.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is not one of those people.
Instead, Boone likes the rule and says that it helps ensure player safety and avoids the need to demote players after long games.
Aaron Boone said today that he likes having the automatic runner rule in extra innings, believing it helps player safety and avoids the need to demote players and call up pitchers after long games.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 23, 2022
Missing The Point
Boone is wrong.
The extra-inning runner rule just isn’t proper baseball.
In fact, it has hardly made a difference over the past two years that it has been in place.
It has not helped speed the game up in any way, shape, or form like it was intended to do, and it certainly doesn’t eliminate the need to demote players after longer games.
It is still very possible for games to last much longer, even with the runner rule.
Games could still easily go 15 or 16 innings.
Perhaps if the rule was going to be put into place permanently, it could be implemented after a certain number of extra innings.
The main problem with this rule is that it is always scrapped when it comes time for the postseason.
MLB should ultimately decide to either keep it all-year-around or completely scrap it.
They need to choose one or the other.
Having it in place for the regular season and getting rid of it in the postseason is pointless.
But long games, demotions, and injuries are just as much of a risk with the runner rule in place.
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