Manfred: 7-inning doubleheaders, extra-innings runner likely dropped in 2022
Major League Baseball could say goodbye to seven-inning doubleheaders and the extra-innings runner rule in the near future, according to commissioner Rob Manfred.
"I don't think seven-inning doubleheaders are going to be a part of our future going forward," Manfred said on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Manfred explained the two items could be nixed when conditions return to normal throughout MLB.
Manfred then added the runner on second rule in extra innings is also a COVID-related rule, which means it also may go away when conditions return to normal.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) July 13, 2021
MLB and the MLBPA agreed to use seven-inning doubleheaders and the extra-innings rule during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to help alleviate the burden of rescheduling games that were postponed because of COVID-19.
The two items returned for 2021 after MLB and the MLBPA reached an agreement on health and safety protocols last February.
HEADLINES
- Cashman: Verdugo over Domínguez gives Yankees best chance to win
- Report: Mariners to retain Dipoto as head of baseball ops
- Rizzo wants to retire as a Yankee despite love for Chicago
- Oneil Cruz is the ultimate player development puzzle
- Braves lose to Rockies, drop into tie with Mets for last playoff spot