If a 2020 Major League Baseball season is played, then extra innings could look significantly different.
Instead of the traditional extra innings format, the MLB is considering placing a runner on second to start each inning. This has been experimented with in the minor leagues, and has received mixed feedback. What they do in the minors is use the person who was the last out in the previous inning as the runner. Teams aren’t able to select runners unless they make a substitution.
Additionally, the league is considering instituting ties this season. If the game is tied after a certain number of extra innings, it may go down in the scorebook as a tie.
The league is trying to do everything possible to make the short season worth it without completely exhausting players. But, that’s if we even have a season. In addition to the extended labor negotiations, coronavirus cases are rising in parts of the country where large gatherings aren’t being enforced.
Because of that, the MLB may need to reconsider their safety protocol. Eight members of the Phillies organization tested positive for coronavirus at their Spring Training facility in Florida. Because of that, the MLB shut down all spring facilities to develop a coronavirus testing protocol. The league also may have second thoughts about doing the season in a “bubble”, but the locations previously considered for the “bubble” now have increasing coronavirus numbers.
If the new extra innings format is implemented, it will likely only be for the 2020 season. From there, it might not see the field until the new CBA after 2021. It’s not the most ideal in my opinion, but I’ll take it just to see some baseball.