Report: MLB, MLBPA discussing restoring extra-innings runner rule

Major League Baseball and the MLBPA are potentially bringing back the rule that positioned a runner on second base to start extra innings, sources told Jayson Stark and Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

Several players reportedly believe the rule will return once health and safety protocols are announced in the next day or two.

The "ghost-runner" rule was first introduced during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign to limit long extra-inning contests, and it's been a part of the game for the last two seasons.

The rule expired after 2021 and wasn't included in the new collective bargaining agreement. However, commissioner Rob Manfred has vouched for it and major leaguers apparently like it.