Universal DH, automatic runner on second in extra innings coming to MLB in 2020

[Recursion]

https://www.amny.com/sports/universal-dh-automatic-runner-on-second-in-extra-innings-coming-to-mlb-in-2020/

As Major League Baseball and the players union inch closer to an agreement of the commissioner’s implemented 2020 season, more details are emerging on the specifics of baseball’s format.

For the first time in MLB history, the designated hitter will take effect in both the American League and National League — the latter forcing pitchers to bat since its inception in 1876.

The move is expected to bring an injection of offensive excitement to the National League, which has often lagged behind the American League in terms of offensive affluence. The top-four scoring teams in Major League Baseball last year were from the American League.

It remains to be seen if the DH will stay in the National League permanently.

[exboyfil]

1. So is this runner who was due up first in the inning?

Essentially conceding a double?

[Recursion]

2. My understanding is it's the next-up batter, but obvs a pinch runner will get put in

This will be interesting to see. Honestly though I wish MLB would just write off the year and wait until it's safer.

[rickford66]

3. Add two runners in the 11th and load the bases in the 12th.

I like it.

[rickford66]

4. If there's going to be new sports rules

Football teams should be able to "buy" timeouts with points and stop unlimited substitution.

The basketball hoop should be raised by two feet.

[Brother Buzz]

5. That automatic runner rule will all but assure Willie May's extraordinary record won't be broken

Willie Mays holds the record for hitting home runs in the most different innings.

Inning Date Pitcher Team
1 5-28-1951 Warren Spahn Boston
2 6-6-1951 Willie Ramsdell Cincinnati
3 4-18-1954 Carl Erskine Brooklyn
4 6-27-1951 Don Newcombe Brooklyn
5 8-30-1951 Vern Law Pittsburgh
6 6-23-1951 Turk Lown Chicago
7 6-18-1951 Joe Presko St. Louis
8 6-17-1951 (1G) Howie Pollet St. Louis
9 7-22-1951 (1G) Ken Raffensberger Cincinnati
10 6-22-1951 Dutch Leonard Chicago
11 7-4-1955 (2G) Lino Donoso Pittsburgh
12 6-4-1955 Warren Hacker Chicago
13 7-3-1951 Jocko Thompson Philadelphia
14 4-30-1954 Warren Hacker Chicago
15 9-27-1968 Ted Abernathy Cincinnati
16 7-26-1963 Warren Spahn Milwaukee

[EllieBC]

6. But part of the charm of baseball

is the game could go on for hours. The automatic runner will kill that.