‘Stealing’ first base part of experiment
New batter-friendly rule changes will be tried during remainder of season
Four experimental playing rules will be put in place during the second half of the 2019 Atlantic League Championship Season.
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and MLB announced the changes Thursday morning.
According to a press release, these changes will be analyzed before any rules are potentially set in stone or modified for the 2020 season.
The experimental changes include:
Batters may “steal” first base on any pitch not caught in flight (the batter can be thrown out if he attempts to run).
The pitcher is required to step off the rubber in order to attempt a pickoff.
One foul bunt is permitted with two strikes before a strikeout is called.
The “Check swing” rule is being made more batterfriendly.
Earlier this season, the ALPB put five new rules and equipment changes in place.
The league increased the size of the bases from 15 inches square to 18 inches, shortening the distance between home and first base by three inches.
The plate umpire is now assisted by a radar tracking system and an MLB-defined strike zone and the time between innings and pitching changes was reduced from 2:05 to 1:45.
On the pitching side, mound visits are only permitted for pitching changes and medical visits. A pitcher now must also face a minimum of three batters or reach the end of the inning before they can exit the game, unless they become injured.
These experimental changes are part of a threeyear agreement between MLB and ALPB.