Major League Baseball made a number of changes going into the 2020 season, with the biggest perhaps being the implementation of a new three-batter rule for pitchers.
In previous years, managers had the ability to make pitching changes based on matchups, often bringing in relievers, particularly those who are left-handed, to face just one batter before being removed in favor of another hurler.
Starting in 2020 though, all pitchers must face three batters unless they are able to get out of an inning beforehand.
For example, if a pitcher comes in with the bases loaded and two outs and is able to escape the jam, then he does not have to come back out and face the first two hitters in the next inning. But if that pitcher does not retire the hitter, then he must stay in for two more or until the inning ends.
So far during Spring Training, the new three-batter rule has not been a focus for the league. That will change beginning on Thursday, March 12 though, as Cactus and Grapefruit League games will begin utilizing it in preparation of the regular season.
The three-batter rule will not affect the Los Angeles Dodgers as much as some other teams as a majority of their relievers have the ability to get out both right and left-handed hitters. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts even went as far as to say that he is in favor of the change.
One of their pitchers that it will affect though is southpaw Adam Kolarek. In 26 appearances after being acquired by the Dodgers from the Tampa Bay Rays at last year’s trade deadline, Kolarek only faced 45 hitters, which is less than two per outing.
He has struggled having to face righties this spring, meaning he could start the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City so he has an opportunity to get more accustomed to facing hitters from both sides of the plate.
Other new rules that will go into effect this season mainly have to do with roster size and the injured list. Active rosters will be expanded from 25 to 26 players, while September rosters will be cut from 40 to 28.
While the 10-day IL will remain in place for position players, pitchers will be forced to spend 15 days on the IL like under the previous system.
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