Major League Baseball Formally Announces Rule Changes for 2020 Season

They include a DH in the National League, a three-batter minimum and absolutely no spitting

MLB Hoping for 82-Game Season Starting in July
A detailed view of a pair of official Rawlings MLB baseballs. (Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty)
MLB Photos via Getty Images

Bad news for diehard National League fans who believe the designated hitter is sacrilege: after months of speculation, Major League Baseball confirmed Monday that the 2020 season will in fact include a DH in the National League — the first time in history that NL pitchers won’t have to worry about hitting.

In addition to the universal DH, announced a handful of other rules for the 60-game 2020 season in a press release (which you can read in its entirety here), including a three-batter minimum for pitchers, an extra-innings rule that each extra inning will begin with a runner on second base, a rule that states any player may appear as a pitcher at any point in a game and more.

To cut down on the risk of spreading coronavirus, there will also be no pregame lineup card exchange, no spitting will be allowed, and there will a strict crackdown on brawling and/or arguing with umpires.

“Prohibitions against unsportsmanlike conduct will be strictly enforced to prevent unnecessary physical contact and support physical distancing between individuals on the playing field,” the press release reads. “In this respect, players and managers should maintain physical distancing from all umpires and opposing players on the playing field whenever possible. Players or managers who leave their positions to argue with umpires, come within six feet of an umpire or opposing player or manager for the purpose of argument, or engage in altercations on the field are subject to immediate ejection and discipline, including fines and suspensions.”

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