The MLB and the MLB Players Association have agreed to rule changes that will expand rosters, place an automatic runner on second base during extra-innings and allow pitchers to remain in the lineup after they have been replaced on the mound, according to an industry source.
The Los Angeles Angels will be able to keep Shohei Ohtani in the lineup on his start days because of the last of those changes.
The new rules will not be official until the owners approve them with a simple majority next week, according to a source.
The shortened spring training that followed the 99-day, owner-imposed lock out has made it more difficult for starting pitchers to get fully stretched out for the start of the season. The Post reported that there will be no limits on the amount of pitchers teams can carry in April. This will be the third year in a row that the automatic runner on second base in extra-innings will be in play.
The life of the collective bargaining agreement includes a new designated hitter rule. A pitcher who also hits can remain the designated hitter even if he is no longer throwing. The only beneficiary will be Ohtani, the Japanese two-way sensation who was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player last year.
The Angels had to balance Ohtani's desire to keep his bat in the lineup while also not over-extending him as a pitcher during his start days last year. In close games, they often countered by putting Ohtani in the outfield. Ohtani spent most of his time in the right field area last year, but never had a ball hit to him. The rule that allowed Ohtani to stay in the lineup during the All-Star Game last year is likely to be the last one.
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