Manfred decries defensive shifts but doesn't expect rule change

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred became the latest voice to express displeasure with the rising trend of defensive shifts.

In recent seasons, managers have increasingly opted to place their infielders where batters have historically hit the ball, leading to a generally lower offensive output around the league.

Though its staunchest defenders will label shifts as strategy, Manfred isn't a fan of its intended effect.

"It does affect certain types of players disproportionately, and it also exacerbates some trends in the game that may not be great from an entertainment perspective," Manfred told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Wednesday.

"When you shift on certain types of players, it increases the likelihood that they're either going to strike out or try to hit it out of the ballpark. That's the reality."

Related - Girardi: Defensive shifts should be illegal

Some players, such as free-agent first baseman Ryan Howard, have spoken out against the defensive tactic, arguing that shifts can take away anywhere from 30-50 hits a year.

But don't hold your breath on changes coming anytime soon, Manfred admitted.

"You get into a thing where you start telling people the way they defend is going to be limited, now you're having a competitive affect," he told Francesa. "That's a much more serious undertaking."