New starting pitcher rule?

[imref]

This seems beyond dumb. MLB reportedly discussing a rule requiring starting pitchers to pitch at least six innings. They could only be pulled if they throw 100 pitches, are hurt, or give up 4 runs.

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2024/08/15/six-inning-minimum-rule-mlb/

[varoadking]

I'd think the MLBPA would take issue with this...especially the 100 pitch count...

[nobleisthyname]

I'm actually kind of intrigued by it, but my concern is what about rehab starts/minor league development? Sounds like they would want the rule at all levels.

[Natsinpwc]

I mean if they don’t give up four runs or 100 pitches they often go six anyway.

[imref]

I'm actually kind of intrigued by it, but my concern is what about rehab starts/minor league development? Sounds like they would want the rule at all levels.

i'd assume there would have to be a rehab assignment exception.

Interesting that the article notes that one of the drivers behind the idea is to improve offense.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

The idea is that pitcher stays in until he's shelled and you don't start a parade of 95+ throwers for 1 inning each in the 5th. It should up the offense.

Nats are middle of the pack in terms of starter innings, averaging ~5.25 IP per start. Irvin is just about 6 IP/ start (Irvin 145 IP / 25 GS). Gore is precisely 5 IP / GS (120 IP in 24 GS). Could be a problem for him.

[imref]

The idea is that pitcher stays in until he's shelled and you don't start a parade of 95+ throwers for 1 inning each in the 5th. It should up the offense.

Nats are middle of the pack in terms of starter innings, averaging ~5.25 IP per start. Irvin is just about 6 IP/ start (Irvin 145 IP / 25 GS). Gore is precisely 5 IP / GS (120 IP in 24 GS). Could be a problem for him.

IIRC, # of innings per start is generally the best correlation with overall team success.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

IIRC, # of innings per start is generally the best correlation with overall team success.

I wonder if that holds up with the bullpen flame throwing emphasis.

[Count Walewski]

Who will be the first manager to call for a hanging slider so his #5 starter can give up that 4th ER and a reliever can come in?

[Senatorswin]

One thing they hope might be a result of this would be pitchers stop just going for velo so they can last longer. I'm not sure that would happen though. It wouldn't be implemented for years though. It would have to start at least at the lower ends of the minors and the article mentions when they're amateurs.

[IanRubbish]

Nats are middle of the pack in terms of starter innings, averaging ~5.25 IP per start. Irvin is just about 6 IP/ start (Irvin 145 IP / 25 GS). Gore is precisely 5 IP / GS (120 IP in 24 GS). Could be a problem for him.

But 4.8 IP per start since July 1.  But agree, would be a big problem for Gore.

[nfotiu]

I love the intent of this rule as I hate the direction that starting pitching is going.   I fell in love with baseball when I used to look in the paper at who was pitching each day and making sure I was watching the best matchups, or every game my favorite pitcher was pitching.

The rule could be interesting.  More runs over the first 6 would be expected.   Starting pitchers could go back to pacing themselves and strategizing how to best get through 6 innings.

It would put a whole lot of value back on starting pitchers who can go solid through 6 every time out and not just a guy who throws 100 through 4-5 for a couple years and is done.

I don't know if it is as simple as implementing that rule, but I am definitely in favour of giving it a try with some tweaks.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I really don't get the hate for openers. I get not wanting to see a parade of hard throwing fungible relievers, but the idea of following a reliever with a guy who goes 5 or 6 innings beginning with the bottom of the order isn't that radical a move.

If you want to limit the reliever shuffles to the minors, then make pitchers stay down a month before recall, and if you limit the size of bullpens to 7 pitchers, then you won't see them burned as frequently.

[nobleisthyname]

If you want to limit the reliever shuffles to the minors, then make pitchers stay down a month before recall, and if you limit the size of bullpens to 7 pitchers, then you won't see them burned as frequently.

I'd be open to that type of rule change too.

[IanRubbish]

Haven't seen any recent news on this, seems unlikely to happen, at least at 6 innings.

I get that MLB is doing all it can to increase scoring and counter rising pitcher velocities, but this would push a lot of offense into the 5th and 6th and make the course of the game unbalanced.