MLB in talks over huge rule change for starting pitchers as fans moan ‘they’re going to kill the game’

MAJOR League Baseball bosses are mulling over a major rule change, per reports.

Key figures within the MLB are determined to improve the on-field product as they aim to revitalize interest in the sport.

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They are eager for starting pitchers to regain importance during games.

And they are equally keen to reduce the risk of injuries.

An MLB insider has laid out the league’s objectives to ESPN .

“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,” they told the broadcaster.

“There are a whole host of options in addressing those issues.”

MLB bosses are pondering a six-inning requirement for starting pitchers in games.

The average tally for starting pitchers during the 2024 season has thus far been 5.25.

While they are keen to see that rise to six, MLB chiefs know that exceptions must be made.

These would include throwing over 100 pitches or giving up four or more earned runs.

They would also be exempt if they suffered an injury.

However, to avoid manipulating the rule, they would require a spell on the injury list to prove that they were really hurt.

While league bosses are claimed to be giving the change serious thought, no major revamp is imminent.

It’s likely that should it be introduced, it will take years to happen.

The proposed change would also require plenty of trials before reaching the big time.

Five key MLB rule changes in 2024

1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.

2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.

3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.

4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.

5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.

It would more likely first be seen in the minor leagues, before making its way to the MLB if successful.

The league made plenty of changes before the 2023 season in a huge bid to make the game more exciting.

These included instituting a pitch clock to speed up proceedings.

Some fans have pushed back on the latest potential change.

“How would this fix injuries? Potential overuse, then three guys who throw out of their shoes at max velo. Dunno,” one wrote on X.

“Yeah, because we would’ve loved to watch six innings of Ray last night. Get real,” a second huffed.

“Don’t understand all these forced rules in baseball. Why not just play the game the way it was intended to be played?” another added.