MLB considering starting Extra Innings with runner on Second Base

On Wednesday, Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passan reported that Major League Baseball plans on testing a new rule in the minor leagues this upcoming season that would see a runner automatically placed on second base to start extra innings.

This rule will also be in place in the upcoming World Baseball classic that will take place next month. Major League Baseball is thinking about the possibility of using this rule in the Gulf Coast League and Arizona League.

Former MLB manager Joe Torre gave his take to Yahoo:

“It’s not fun to watch when you go through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing a utility infielder in to pitch.  As much as it’s nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time.”

The rule change would start in the 10th inning and continue every inning after the 10th until the game reaches a conclusion.