MLB will test a few new rule changes in a minor-league system that have people talking on Tuesday.
The league announced that the Atlantic League would adopt three rule changes the league wants to test out. Those three rule change ideas have created a significant discussion online, and much of the reaction isn’t positive.
“MLB will test rules in the Atlantic League beginning April 28, including:
* A Designated Pinch Runner, not otherwise in the lineup and available to use at any point in the game.
* Pitcher limit of a single disengagement per at-bat
* ‘Double-Hook DH’ rule,” FOX Sports: MLB tweeted.
The double-hook DH rule was later explained. FOX Sports: MLB tweeted again, “The ‘Double-Hook’ DH rule allows clubs to use the designated hitter throughout the game provided that the club’s starting pitcher has completed at least five innings. If the starter fails to make it through the fifth, the club then loses the DH for the remainder of the game.”
These are certainly unique rule-change ideas. Many responded to the proposed ideas in a not-so-positive way.
“Uncle. No. Kill it with fire,” Molly Knight tweeted.
https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/1648373329047470081
“I…do not understand the point of these,” Mike Bates then tweeted.
“Just STOP, @MLB. Stop stop stop,” a Cubs fan pled.
Just STOP, @MLB. Stop stop stop. https://t.co/cPNBgQLePw
—
Mary #FlyTheW (@mchastain81) April 18, 2023
And meanwhile, Brenden Schaeffer tweeted, “I just want to run a Road to the Show where I max my guy’s speed and he can be the designated pinch runner his entire career.”
I just want to run a Road To The Show where I max my guy's speed and he can be the designated pinch runner his entire career https://t.co/NLwrIrsN9T
— Brenden Schaeffer
(@bschaeffer12) April 18, 2023
Doesn’t sound like these rule changes will make any new MLB fans. In fairness, the new rules adopted this year have played out well. So perhaps things will change in the future.