Managers `rolling the inning' while players shake off rust
MLB teams take advantage of new rules in effect for all or part of spring training
Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Richards' first spring training start couldn't have started off any worse on Monday: He was able to record only one out, loaded the bases and walked in a run in just 23 pitches against the Atlanta Braves.
That last number is important, because it allowed Red Sox manager Alex Cora to invoke a spring training rule put in place this season that gives defensive teams the right to end an inning before recording three outs, so long as the pitcher has thrown at least 20 pitches.
Cora ended the first inning after just one out but then sent out Richards again for the second, and he retired the side in order.
“It was great to get back out there and finish a strong second inning, get some quick outs,” Richards said. “It was nice to be able to offset that first inning and kind of get my work in, complete my outing, but also finish on a strong note.”
The new rule, announced by Major League Baseball late last month, only applies to spring training games through March 13 as teams shake off the rust.
The rule, which has been dubbed “rolling the inning,” has been invoked a few other times in the early going of spring training.
For instance, Cincinnati used it in consecutive innings on Monday against Oakland. In the fourth, Sal Romano gave up a triple and then three singles. Manager David Bell pulled the plug with two outs after three runs had scored and two runners remained on base.
The next inning, Bell again cut things short after Shane Carle allowed three doubles, two walks, a single and four runs while recording just one out.
MLB also announced a number of other rules that could shorten spring training games. Through March 13, games may be shortened to five or seven innings upon mutual agreement of both managers, and games may be shortened to seven innings from March 14 through the end of spring training on March 30 (they can also be nine innings if both managers agree).
And for the entirety of spring training, pitchers who are removed from a game may re-enter the game at a later point.