Report: MLB contemplating 6-IP requirement for starting pitchers

Major League Baseball is exploring the idea of requiring pitchers to go at least six innings per start, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

The new rule would be an attempt to decrease long-term injuries to starters and establish more balance amid a rise in strikeouts, Rogers notes.

"We are interested in increasing the amount of action in the game, restoring the prominence of the starting pitcher, and reducing the prevalence of pitching injuries," an MLB official said. "There are a whole host of options in addressing those issues."

MLB would reportedly include caveats to a minimum-inning requirement, such as a starter throwing 100-plus pitches, giving up four-plus earned runs, or getting injured, which would have to result in a stint on the injured list.

The league's desired outcome would result in hurlers training to remain in games longer by reducing a need to consistently lean on the hardest velocity, according to Rogers. Pitching deeper into contests could prevent arm injuries while giving hitters better opportunities to succeed with more at-bats against the same pitcher, Rogers adds.

Starting pitchers are averaging 5.25 innings per start in the majors during the 2024 season. That number drops to 4.3 in Triple-A.

MLB has also talked about a cap on the number of pitchers a team can roster and the double-hook designated hitter, sources told Rogers. A double-hook DH happens when a club loses its DH for the remainder of a game if a starter is pulled early. The rule was tested in the Atlantic League in 2023.