Pioneer League replacing extra innings with sudden-death HR derby

An independent baseball league that operates in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. is planning to implement new rules for the 2021 season.

The Pioneer League, which isn't directly affiliated with Major League Baseball but is a designated partner league, will use a "Knock Out" rule that will see players go head-to-head in a sudden-death home run derby if the game is tied going into extra innings, the league announced Tuesday.

The derby will be used to preserve the health of pitchers. Each team will pick a hitter who will receive five pitches and the outcome of the contest will be determined by who hits the most homers. There will be another round with different batters if there's a tie and the winner is declared after a sudden-death faceoff.

The league is also adding a designated pinch hitter and designated pinch runner:

• The designated pinch hitter rule permits a player not having previously entered into the game to pinch hit for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive position for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The designated pinch hitter is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The designated pinch hitter can only be employed once a game by each team.

• The designated pinch runner rule permits a player not having previously entered into the game to pinch run for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive position for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The designated pinch runner is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The designated pinch runner can only be employed once a game by each team.