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MLB

What is the three-batter minimum in the MLB?

After introducing several rule changes in the Major League a couple of years ago, we are taking a closer look at an interesting pitching-related rule.

Arlington (United States), 29/10/2023.- Arizona Diamondbacks' Emmanuel Rivera (L) and Arizona Diamondbacks' Tommy Pham (C) score and greet Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll (R) at home plate
John G. MabangloEFE

At the start of the 2021 MLB season, several rule changes were implemented, which, despite going unnoticed by some, were significant for the game tactics and player personnel strategy.

The MLB’s Three-batter minimum

In light of a shortened season due to the pandemic in 2020, MLB was forced to address different questions and subsequently rules to answer them. Amongst those rule changes -announced back in February 2020 - aimed at correcting the much-maligned pace of place issues i.e. the time is taken between changes - of the MLB, one specific rule was announced and that was the ‘three-batter minimum.’

According to MLB the rule states that “pitchers must face a minimum of three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of a half-inning, with exceptions for injuries and illnesses. If a pitcher faces one batter to end an inning, he may be removed, but if he is brought back for a second inning, he must still face two more batters for a total of three.

What does the Three-batter minimum mean for the game?

In practice, there are two positions one can take on the rule. The first is that it removes the manager’s ability to go to the bullpen at any point to select the matchup that he wants. The second is that it forces managers to be more selective of what relief pitcher to use and, more importantly, when. Interestingly this actually allows the possibility for advanced strategy regarding matchups as now the opposing manager has the opportunity to see what and who are going to be facing them from the mound.

Generally, most pitching changes come with one or more outs in an inning. In light of this, it is unlikely that gameplay will be significantly altered. Additionally, pitching changes aren’t normally a cause for long delays during the regular season.