SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rockies manager Bud Black, who revels in the chess game of hitters vs. pitchers, predicts that a major new rule change is going to be challenging, to say the least.
Beginning this season, all pitchers — both starters and relievers — must now face at least three batters (or pitch until the inning is over) before they come out of a game. An exception is made when an injury or illness prevents the pitcher from being able to finish the required three batters.
“You can still bring in a guy to get that final out of the inning, but you better hope that they get that one out,” Black said.