MLB Considering DRASTIC Pitching Rule Change

If you thought the pitch clock was a radical change, wait till you hear about this potential new rule: Major League Baseball is considering implementing a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers. Whoa.

MLB is reportedly discussing a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers 👀

Exceptions:
• Throws 100 pitches
• Gives up four or more earned runs
• Gets injured (with a required IL stint to avoid manipulation)

(via @JesseRogersESPN) pic.twitter.com/ks7A1hKADQ
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The only exceptions to this potential new rule would be when and if a pitcher reaches the 100 pitch mark, if he surrenders four or more earned runs, or gets injured (with an IL placement mandatory for using that exception).

The reason?

"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," an MLB official told ESPN.

By forcing the starting pitcher to go six innings, they would have to change their repertoire, and the force with which they throw each pitch: this would likely result in a reduction of strikeouts (thereby creating more action on the field), as well as making pitchers put less stress on their arms, potentially reducing the epidemic of injuries which has been largely fed by the constant need to throw as hard as they can on every pitch.

The stats back up the need for such a drastic change. In 2014, starting pitchers averaged 5.97 innings per start, according to ESPN Stats & Information. But ten years later, in 2024, that number has dropped to 5.25 innings per start, and is down much further, to 4.3 innings in Triple-A.

"You would start to think about a repertoire that would get you through the lineup three times," Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "You would want to develop that ability between now and when they implement the rule."

“You would have to push command over stuff,” added Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, per ESPN. “(Pitching to) contact would be the biggest thing to prepare guys to throw six innings on a consistent basis." He also agreed that “There would have to be some pullback on velocity."

Rogers admits that it would "take years of advance notice" in order for pitchers to develop those new repertoires, and of course there would be a trial phase first in the minor leagues.

No word yet on when or if this process would get started.