Cubs News: Rob Manfred reveals potential rule changes for 2022 season |
DENVER — In the buildup to Tuesday's All-Star Game, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred talked with the Baseball Writers' Association of America and discussed potential rule changes that could be on the horizon. Two likely rule changes would nullify alterations made since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 and 2021 seasons have featured seven-inning doubleheaders and extra innings beginning with a runner at second base. Those adjustments have helped to shorten games in a schedule affected by COVID-19-induced postponements. However, Manfred said that he doubts that those recent changes will carry over into the 2022 slate. Other possible adjustments mentioned by Manfred were adding the designated hitter to the National League and banning or limiting defensive shifts. While National League teams utilized a designated hitter in every game of the 2020 season, that is not the case this year. Any rulebook alterations for the 2022 season will be decided upon during the upcoming offseason.
