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MLB Expected To Implement Three Rule Changes For 2022 Season

BRONX, NY - JUNE 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels bats during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, June 28, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB and its Players Association have agreed to a few rule changes for the upcoming 2022 season. One is sure to make everyone angry; hint: it involves runners on base who did not earn their way on.

The owners still must vote them into effect, which they plan to do next week, but here’s the crux of it:

May 2 Expanded Rosters

Due to lingering effects—such as an abbreviated spring training—of the owner-initiated lockout, there are talks of allowing teams to use a 28-player roster until May 2. On that day, teams will be forced to cut rosters down to 26 guys. There will be no rules with regard to the number of pitchers a team can carry before May 2, but after the deadline, it will be 13.

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Ohtani Rule(s)

Everyone who loves Shohei Ohtani hates the universal DH, which is going to be implemented. This new “Ohtani Rule” dictates that if a starting pitcher is also penciled into the lineup as the DH, he can remain in the game as a hitter once he’s relieved of pitching duty. It’s impossible to prove, but the rule was made specifically for Ohtani, the incredible pitcher-slugger who is a joy to watch.

Ghost Runner on Second; Let’s Play Two (Nine-Inning Games)

Spooky! Everyone’s least favorite rule—the ghost runner on second base in extra innings—is expected to remain in effect. Which is a shame. Everyone’s second least favorite rule, seven-inning doubleheaders, is expected to be ixnayed. Which is good.