MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) agreed to allow a maximum of 14 pitchers on active rosters through May 29 in the interest of health and in response to a shortened Spring Training period.
The league and union previously agreed to expanded rosters of 28 players (29 in the case of a doubleheader) for the first month of the 2022 regular season. With that was eliminating the limit of 13 active pitchers until May 2.
That of course is still being suspended, which the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to take advantage of. The Dodgers’ Opening Day roster featured 16 pitchers and they have continued to carry that many for most of April.
While active rosters will go back to 26 players on May 2 as originally planned, the 13-pitcher limit won’t go into effect until May 30.
Meanwhile, still starting May 2, pitchers and two-way players will only be eligible to be placed on a 15-day injured list. Current modification of MLB rules allows pitchers and two-way players to be put on a 10-day IL like with position players.
IL stints made on or after May 2 can still be retroactive if applicable, however the date the roster decision was made will take precedent — not the day it is being backdated to — and thus require the 15-day minimum.
Also as planned, Minor League option assignments will count toward each player’s limit of five per year beginning on May 2. Furthermore, the minimum assignment period for pitchers and two-way players will shift to 15 days. The exception of replacing an injured player or COVID-IL stint will still apply.
MLB expanded rosters for September
Active rosters will expand again on Sept. 1, when all teams will be required to carry 28 players for the final month of the regular season. That number will increase to 29 players for any doubleheaders played through the final day of the season.
Rosters will expand on Sept. 1, when all teams must carry 28 players on the active roster through the end of the regular season. Teams will be permitted to carry 29 players for any doubleheaders during that final month.
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