MLB, union agree to allow 7-inning doubleheaders

MLB and the MLBPA agreed to allow seven-inning doubleheaders this season, beginning Aug. 1, the league confirmed Friday.

The extra-innings rule that places a runner on second at the beginning of every frame will apply in doubleheader contests, which means the eighth inning of twin bills will feature the extra runner.

Seven-inning doubleheaders were considered during return-to-play negotiations. A deal failed to materialize, however, and MLB ultimately mandated a 60-game season.

The league and union already agreed to expand the postseason from 10 to 16 teams hours before Opening Day's first pitch. That was also proposed during negotiations but could not be mandated without the union's consent.

The season has been somewhat derailed as the Miami Marlins deal with a coronavirus outbreak that is impacting multiple teams' schedules. The Philadelphia Phillies, who hosted the Marlins in the early stages of the outbreak, have been unable to play since, while the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles began an impromptu series Wednesday after their respective series were postponed.

There has already been one doubleheader played in 2020 - caused by a weather postponement - between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.