Dodgers Way
FanSided

Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Kershaw, Buehler, Rule Changes

By Michael Wittman

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs prior to a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch on March 11, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs prior to a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch on March 11, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 16: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt #21 during a review in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Major League Baseball announced some rule changes that will affect the Dodgers both in 2019 and beyond.  The rules going into effect in 2019 are shorter breaks between innings, the maximum number of mound visits in a game reduced to five, a single trade deadline on July 31st, and a joint committee to help research other possible rule changes.

All-star game voting is also going to get changed and there will be financial rewards for all-star vote getters and the home run derby winner.  The winning team of the midsummer classic will also get financial compensation.  Perhaps players will try to win the all-star game now?

More from LA Dodgers News

Rule changes going into effect in 2020 are the active MLB roster being expanded to 26 players and September rosters getting reduced from a maximum of forty players to a maximum of 28 players.  To be determined is a limit on the number of pitchers a club can carry on their active roster.

A minimum batter limit of three batters per pitcher will also go into effect for the 2020 season.  Each pitcher can only be removed after they face three hitters which will essentially kill the specialist role for relievers.  This should make elite relievers even more important rather than relying on a bunch of specialists.

There will also be changes to the injured list and option times in 2020.  Pitchers who are placed on the injured list (formerly the DL) will have to spend fifteen days out of action once again instead of the previously reduced ten games.  Pitchers who are optioned to the minors will also have to spend 15 days in the minors before being recalled rather than the current ten days.

Next. Yimi Garcia continues his impressive spring training. dark

While MLB looks to reduce game times and improve the sport it’s fair to wonder if they are doing too much to try to change the game.  The single trade deadline will mean that the Dodgers can no longer make any moves after July 31st so the trade deadline should see more action than previous years.

Home/LA Dodgers News