2020 MLB Rule Changes, Protocols & Features

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After a tiresome back-and-forth between MLB owners and players, fans can finally get ready for baseball. Major League Baseball will play a 60-game season this year, though there are plenty of new things to know before the first pitch. Opening Day for each team will be on either July 23rd or July 24th.

Earlier today, MLB.com released an extensive list of new rules, features, and protocols for the upcoming season, which we’ll highlight below (plus other important dates and roster rules).

2020 MLB Rules & Protocols

  • No spitting (including tobacco & sunflower seeds) — chewing gum is OK.
  • NL will also use Designated Hitter
  • Extra innings start with a runner on 2nd base. (Last batted out; ie: if No. 6 hitter is coming up in the 10th, the No. 5 hitter goes to 2nd or a sub for the No. 5 hitter) — runner won’t count against pitcher’s ERA.
  • Three-batter minimum rule
  • Suspensions or fines for players of managers who come within 6 feet of an umpire to argue.
  • Teams have to have expanded space at their parks — dugout, bullpen, etc.
  • 1st & 3rd base coaches shall not approach baserunners.
  • No pregame exchange of lineup cards — they’ll use an app.
  • Teams can schedule up to three exhibition games before Summer Camp ends.
  • Schedule consists of 60 games — 40 within division and 20 against corresponding geographical division (ie: AL East teams play 20 games vs. NL East teams).
  • Teams have a 60-person max player pool at Summer Camp. Teams don’t have to fill all 60 spots right away. They can keep spots open for free agent signings, etc.
  • Opening Day active roster can have between 25-30 players. After two weeks, max is 28 players. After four weeks, max is 26 players.
  • No expanded September rosters.
  • Teams can have an extra player on their roster for doubleheaders.
  • Teams are permitted to carry up to three additional Taxi Squad players from player pool on all road trips — one must be a catcher and Taxi Squad players can’t dress in uniform or be in the dugout during games.
  • Players removed from the 60-man player pool cannot be added back but can join another team’s pool.

  • Trade deadline = August 31st. Only players from the 60-man player pool can be traded.
  • Postseason eligibility deadline = September 15th.
  • Injured List = 10-day or 45-day.
  • Each team must have COVID-19 action plan.
  • Each team will have alternate training site once season begins.
  • MLB Postseason is the same format as usual.

Rules/dates/roster info via MLB.com & MLBTR.

 

CATEGORY: MLB