Major League Baseball announced two experimental playing rules for use during the 2022 Atlantic League (ALPB) Championship Season that are designed to create more action on the field, reward athleticism and raise the profile of starting pitchers.
“Given the positive results of recent years, we are continuing to prioritize the kinds of experimental rules that many baseball fans routinely discuss and want to learn more about,” MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill said in a statement.
“Testing in the Atlantic League and throughout the Minors will provide us with more valuable feedback and data that can be taken into consideration.”
The first rule being tested is a double-hook designated hitter adjustment. The rule is a modified version of the previous version used in 2021 that stated a team would lose their DH when the starting pitcher came out of the game.
Now, if a team’s starter is able to complete at least five innings, the DH will be allowed to remain in the lineup for the rest of the game. The rule intends to place emphasis on longer outings by starting pitchers.
The double-hook DH is a concept Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman proposed after the 2020 season.
The second rule to being tested in the Atlantic League is for a dropped pitch. The rule was previously tested in the second half of 2019 and states that any batters will be able to advance to first base on any pitch that is not caught in the air by the catcher, even with first base occupied by a runner. Those who get to first base safely will be awarded a hit.
The new dropped pitch rule is intended to increase the importance of taking care of the baseball (e.g., pitching with command, receiving and blocking pitches) and reward athletic players who are able to capitalize on wild pitches and passed balls.
“We continue to be excited about ALPB’s role helping Major League Baseball determine the future of the game,” Atlantic League president Rick White said. “We are proud many of the tests pioneered in the Atlantic League are reaching a broader audience throughout all levels of professional baseball.”
MLB leverages Atlantic League
Other rules first tested in the Atlantic League, such as Automated Balls-Strikes (ABS), have been expanded to affiliated play in the Minor Leagues, while the ALPB continues to pioneer rules and equipment tests.
However, the Atlantic League did do away with utilizing what unofficially has been referred to as robot umpires for this season.
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