MLB 'agrees to make the extra-inning, extra-runner rule permanent'

Major League Baseball has agreed to permanently add the rule that puts an automatic runner at second base to start the 10th inning and beyond, according to ESPN.

Per the report, the joint competition committee unanimously agreed to continue with the rule for all regular-season games.

The rule was installed in the 2020 season to try to limit the length of games and strain on pitching staffs during the pandemic.

It then continued through last year's shortened spring training because of the lockout. 

Commissioner Rob Manfred had hinted that the rule, which has been in place throughout the past three seasons, could be made permanent throughout the offseason. 

Major League Baseball reportedly has agreed to permanently add the rule that puts an automatic runner at second base to start the 10th inning and beyond

Commissioner Rob Manfred had hinted that the rule could be made permanent this winter

Teams are said to approve of the rule as pitchers don't mind less strain on their arms, while it lessens the chaos on rosters for front offices caused by long, extra-inning games. 

In addition, ESPN reported that the rule that dictates when position players can pitch in a game has been updated by the committee.

Under previous rules, position players were allowed to face batters when their teams were either winning or losing by six or more runs.

Now, a team must be leading by 10 or more runs in the ninth inning to allow a position player to pitch. 

Trailing teams may employ a position player anytime they are losing by eight or more runs. Non-pitchers can take the mound without restrictions in extra innings.

ESPN said that rule change also passed unanimously.

Teams are said to approve of the rule as pitchers don't mind less strain on their arms