For the moment, baseball fans can let out a collective sigh of relief. It looks like we are going to play ball this summer.
While there is optimism in the air, there are still plenty of issues that need to be addressed. Particularly the health concerns tied to the ever-present COVID-19 pandemic.
Major League Baseball originally created a 67-page document regarded health and safety that was issued to the players back in May. Now there has reportedly been at least 40 pages added to that document, as the MLB works through the logistics of getting this season off the ground.
Here is what we know so far about the rules the league is implementing for this unique 60-game season:
Spring Training
The MLBPA has agreed that players will report to spring training 2.0 on July 1st. All team employees are submitting to in-depth screening when they arrive to camp and off course testing throughout the length of the season.
According to Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, there will be a three-phase plan to spring training.
- First, players will work out individually and in small groups.
- Next, there will be larger or full-team workouts.
- Finally, there will be a limited number of spring training games against other teams.
We already learned earlier this week that because of the recent outbreak of COVID cases in Florida, both the Mets and the Yankees will conduct spring training in New York. The Mets may employ a two-site system for their spring training, with Citi Field and MCU Park (the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones) being utilized.
Like a normal spring training, pitchers and catchers will be the first group of players to report to camp.
Roster Moves
Since the league shut down, there has been a temporary freeze on all transactions. That freeze will be lifted this Friday at 12 p.m. ET, meaning teams can once again make trades and sign free agents.
Due to the uncertainty of players coming down with the virus, teams will have everyone on their 40-man roster ready to play. There is also going to be 20 other players designated by teams who will be eligible to be on the taxi-squad. This will give each team a player pool of 60 to draw from throughout the season. Teams have to submit their list of 60 players by 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The regular injury list will remain as always with a 10-day minimum for any player placed on it. There will also be a special COVID-19-related injury list for players who test positive, or are showing symptoms on the virus.
At the start of the season, teams will be allowed to carry a 30-man roster for games. After two weeks, that number will drop to 28 and finally four weeks into the season, each team will be back to carrying a normal 26-man roster.
Teams can however take up to three taxi-squad players with them on the road, but one of those players must be a catcher, otherwise they can only take two.
According to Athletic writer Jayson Stark, the MLB is talking about having two teams of unsigned players in Nashville, who would serve as an emergency pool of players. They would reportedly make $400 a week in stipends and teams would have to pay a fee to Nashville to sign any of those players.
Also instead of the trade deadline taking place on July 31st, this year’s deadline will be pushed back to the end of August. To be eligible for the playoffs, players must be added to the big league roster by September 15th.
Rule Changes
Baseball is set to look a lot different in 2020 for a variety of reasons, including various rule changes that are being implemented. Some of these rules are due to safety, whereas others could simply be about experimenting in a season that is going to be unique regardless.
The most talked about rule change is the universal designated hitter, putting an end to pitchers batting in the National League for at least this season. Another rule change is the adoption of the minor league’s extra inning rule.
If the game is tied after the ninth inning, each team will start with a runner at second base during extra innings. The runner will be the player who made the last out in the previous inning and pinch runners are allowed. If the designated runner scores it will not count against the pitcher’s ERA.
Prior to the season being suspended, a new rule was set to take place that would prohibit position players from pitching until extra innings. That rule has been thrown out for now. However the three-batter minimum for pitchers will remain.
Pitchers will also be allowed to carry a small wet rag in their pocket to avoid licking their fingers.
Finally games that aren’t official (less than five innings) due to weather can be resumed at a later date. Previously those such games would be replayed entirely.
ESPN reporter Marly Rivera noted some of the more interesting rules that are part of the league’s “Operation Manual” which include:
- Fighting/instigating fights strictly prohibited.
- All buffet-style food spreads are prohibited.
- Duties handled by bat boys/girls and ball boys/girls will be performed by existing club staff
At the end of the day, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the social distancing rules that are included in the manual that is over 100 pages. Major League Baseball is going to have to navigate a high-wire act of policies to continue running amid the pandemic.
Still, for now at least, baseball is set to return.
