With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic halting Spring Training, delaying the start of the 2020 season and ultimately being a factor in it getting shortened to just 60 games, MLB implemented multiple rule changes.
Most notably were the introduction of a universal designated hitter, doubleheaders being shortened to seven innings, and games that went into extra innings featuring a runner automatically put on second base at the start of each frame.
Prior to the season beginning and new rules being put in place, Justin Turner proposed a home run derby as opposed to playing extra innings in 2020. Several of his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates voiced their support of the unique idea, though Clayton Kershaw had a different proposal.
During an interview with SportsNet LA earlier this year, Kershaw acknowledged a home run derby would certainly be entertaining but he was in support of potential ties:
“I’m open to changes to make it better for everybody to see more baseball. Seven-inning doubleheaders seem OK to me. The home run derby seems really entertaining. I would watch it, for sure, but I would rather just end in a tie, honestly. Let’s just kind of move on. End in a tie and kind of add that to the season. I get J.T.’s point, though. You can’t burn a bullpen for 15 innings if you’re not going to have the off days and you’re going to have doubleheaders. That makes complete sense.”
It’s unclear if MLB ever gave much consideration to Turner’s out-of-the-box thinking. The Dodgers wound up playing six extra-inning games this past season, winning five of them.
They presumably would have been just as successful if MLB had instituted a home run derby, as the Dodgers led the Majors with 118 long balls. That included breaking the Atlanta Braves’ National League record for most home runs hit in a single month.
What rules will MLB keep for 2021 season?
As the pandemic continues to surge across the United States, there already has been talk of potentially delaying Spring Training and the 2021 season. However, the MLB Players Association has made it clear they are not planning on such adjustments.
If changes are required, one belief is the universal DH will be brought back, and commissioner Rob Manfred suggested the extra-innings rule had enough support to remain in place as well. Should health concerns remain prevalent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see MLB also keep with shortened games in the event of doubleheaders.
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