MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has shown a very open mind when it comes to radical ideas that would change the sport. He might just have another one of those up his sleeve.
In a radio appearance Thursday with ESPN's Mike & Mike, the commissioner responded positively to the idea of limiting how relief pitchers are used during games.
"I am in favor of something like that," Manfred said. "We (MLB) spend a ton of time on this issue in the last few months."
Though Manfred didn't delve into specifics, he did note the idea to at least explore limiting reliever use - be it in a single inning or an entire game - stems from his long-held desire to keep the pace of games moving.
"I've got nothing against relief pitchers but they do two things to the game," he continued. "The pitching changes themselves slow the game down and our relief pitchers have become so dominant at the back end that they actually rob action out of the end of the game, the last few innings of the game."
Under Manfred's watch, baseball has incorporated pitch clocks in the minor leagues as well as timed inning breaks, pitching changes, and mound visits. Earlier this year, the commissioner's office proposed eliminating the cursory four outside pitches during an intentional walk to speed up time.
