MLB Considering Six-Inning Minimum Rule For Starting Pitchers

After implementing the pitch clock, larger bases and other radical changes in recent years, MLB officials are still considering new ways to improve the game of baseball. Among a number of suggested changes to be discussed in the near future, the league is reportedly looking into a rule that would require starting pitchers to throw a minimum of six innings.

Any minimum limit for starting pitchers would have a radical impact, as players on the mound today are less likely than ever to go deep into games. Strikeouts are at a premium and pitching to contact has become less popular in a boom period for home runs.

Injuries are also more common, with many speculating that rigid pitch counts, inconsistent use and high-velocity throws are causing unnecessary arm strain. Some in the league seem to believe that forcing pitchers to endure longer outings would help eliminate unhealthy habits.

“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, according to ESPN. “There are a whole host of options in addressing those issues.”

Obviously, there would have to be exceptions that would allow a starting pitcher to get around this rule if it was implemented. Injuries would be a clear excuse to exit the game. A mandatory pitch count would be a natural amendment as well, as it would prevent a pitcher from staying on the mound long after he was spent. A runs threshold could be added as a similar measure.

At one point in the sport’s history, it was common practice for pitchers to consistently throw complete games. This is clearly a concept that the league wishes to revive in the modern game, but it would require more than a single rule.

Many starters would have to completely break down their current approaches and develop habits built for endurance. It would also likely benefit hitters, who would get more guaranteed chances to face the starter in each game, particularly in the later stages when fatigue might set in.

After decades of celebrating increasing fastball velocities and dominant high-strikeout performances, a steadily increasing number of arm-related injuries is leading MLB to reevaluate the very nature of the pitching position. Radical rule changes have had an immediately positive impact in the past, but it’s unclear how players would respond to this particular measure.