MLB playoffs extra innings rules: Is there a 'ghost runner'? Here's the answer

It’s the rule you love to hate (or maybe you love it! Which is fine!) in Major League Baseball: When teams reached extra innings in 2024, a runner was automatically put on second base to start the 10th and onwards, shortening games.

It’s known as the “ghost runner” rule.

So if you’re here, you might wonder: Will there be a runner on second when the team you’re rooting for starts off extra innings in the playoffs?

The answer is: NO.

That’s only a regular-season rule that won’t be used in the postseason. So it’s possible we end up with some long playoff games that last many extra innings.