In what would be a drastic change aimed at creating more action, fewer strikeouts, cutting back on injuries, and perhaps returning a bit of prestige to starting pitchers, MLB is considering requiring starters to go at least six innings, according to an ESPN report Thursday.
The rule is under discussion and like other major changes, such as the pitch clock, would first be tested in the minor leagues. It would take years before it came to MLB, according to ESPN. It would also have exceptions, such as if a pitcher reaches 100 pitches, gives up four or more earned runs or gets injured (with a required trip to the injured list to avoid chicanery.)
“We are interested in increasing the amount of action in the game, restoring the prominence of the starting pitcher and reducing the prevalence of pitching injuries,” an MLB official told ESPN. “There are a whole host of options in addressing those issues.”
Those in favor of the change think that it would push pitchers to stop relying so much on velocity, forcing them to train to pitch deeper into games and work more on command. This could, in theory, cut back on injuries, and have the added benefit (for fans of offense) of giving hitters easier (or at least slower) pitches to hit.
One assistant general manager who spoke with ESPN was skeptical.
“The genie is out of the bottle when it comes to max velocity,” the executive told the network. “I’m not sure it can go back in, no matter the rules.”
Some thought less drastic measures could be worth trying before a six-inning requirement, such as a five-batter minimum for relievers which could sway managers to leave starters in. The league is also discussing limiting the size of pitching staffs and the double-hook DH, which forces teams to forfeit their DH if the starter doesn’t go at least five innings.
Starting pitchers tossed an average of 5.97 innings per start in 2014, according to ESPN. That number is 5.25 this year and 4.3 in Triple-A.
