American media reported on the 22nd that the Major League Baseball will adopt a rule that is expected to increase the number of at-bats of Angels Shohei Ohtani this season.
In the major leagues, starting pitchers have not been able to enter the designated hitter, and when Otani, who plays dual wield, participates in the pitching at the same time, he participates in the match without using the designated hitter.
American media reported on the 22nd that the Major League Baseball Players Association has agreed to adopt a new rule that allows starting pitchers to participate as designated hitters at the same time from this season.
The new rules are similar to the special rules adopted in last year's All-Star game, so even after the starting pitcher gets off the mound, he remains a designated hitter and can continue to play in the match.
In last year's All-Star Game, Otani started as the starting pitcher in the American League as the number one designated hitter.
By adopting this rule in the regular season, Otani is expected to increase the number of at-bats, and after getting off the mound, he will not have to defend the outfield to stand in the at-bat, so the American media Says, "Introduction of Otani rule".
In addition, it was agreed that the extra time will continue the tie-break system starting from the second base with no out, and that the number of members on the bench will be increased by 2 to 28 by May 1, and next week, the owners of all 30 teams will It means that it will be officially decided after voting.