MLB Will Test New Set Of Rules In The Atlantic League

MLB has enjoyed great success with the three major rule changes introduced for the 2023 season and beyond.

The pitch clock has made games shorter and their pace quicker.

The larger bases have invited runners to attempt more (successful) stolen bases, while the shift restrictions have resulted in more balls in play finding holes to the outfield.

Those three outcomes were popular requests by fans prior to this season.

The league, however, does not want to stop there.

In an effort to make the game even more exciting, they are about to test another set of rules with an eye on the future.

“MLB will use the Atlantic League as its rule-change test lab again. This year’s rules: *Designated pinch runner. Can enter at any time, then return later. *A one-disengagement rule (it’s two in MLB). *The return of the Double Hook! If the starter exits early, so does the DH,” MLB insider Jayson Stark tweeted.

MLB will use the Atlantic League as its rule-change test lab again. This year’s rules:

*Designated pinch runner. Can enter at any time, then return later.

*A one-disengagement rule (it’s two in MLB).

*The return of the Double Hook! If the starter exits early, so does the DH.

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 18, 2023

For reference, the Double-Hook DH rule lets teams use the designated hitter throughout the game provided that the club’s starting pitcher has completed at least five innings.

If said starter does not complete five frames, the team loses the DH for the remainder of the game.

The Atlantic League is an independent circuit not affiliated to minor league baseball.

However, it has an active partnership with MLB, so they help them test new rules and ideas.

One disengagement might be too extreme of a limit, but that’s why MLB is going to test it before making it a part of the game.

The same will happen with the other two rules: after the season, the league will assess their acceptance levels among fans and make a decision.

NEXT: 
Red Sox Analyst Has Hilarious Fix To Land Shohei Ohtani