BRADENTON, Fla. — Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced today rules alterations aimed at reducing the risk of injuries during double plays at second base.
The injuries last season to Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang and New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada, both of which occurred around second base, spurred MLB and the union into action. Jordy Mercer was also injured in a similar fashion, though the play on which he was hurt differed from a typical double play.
“Our goal in amending the slide rule was to enhance player safety, reduce incidents of injury and to do it in a way that respects and preserves the bona fide hustle plays that are integral to our game,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement.