MLB Makes It Official: The Ghost Runner In Extra Innings Will Be Permanent For Regular Seasons Game For 2023 And The Future

Womp womppppp. MLB announced today that MLB’s Joint Competition Committee voted unanimously to start the 10th inning with the runner on second during regular season games. Obviously it won't be used in the playoffs, but for all 162 we will still get a runner starting on second in extra innings. 

I don't like this rule at all. I think you've got to earn your way onto second. I get why front office people want it so it gets the game over with and doesn't let these 16-17 inning games drag on long into the night. I just think it's foolish. As a compromise though I'd be okay with it if they implemented it after the 12th inning, letting the batting order go through one more time and if it's still tied then throw the guy on second and try to get the game over with. 

As a fan I think it's gimmicky and it seems like managers still don't know how to approach it. Do you bunt the guy over and then sac fly? Do you just let them swing away? Hell we saw the Orioles turn a double play on the Tampa Bay Rays on the first pitch of an inning because of this rule. It creates so many weird scenarios, but it is here to stay. I think it would be interesting if a manager could choose how to start the inning. Either you can start with no men on and 0 outs, or you can start with a guy on second and 2 outs. Really put the pressure on them.