Report: MLB to experiment new extra-innings rules in minor leagues

In yet another attempt to improve pace and length of the game, Major League Baseball will test a new rule in the minor leagues this season that would place a runner on second base at the start of extra innings, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, citing sources.

In addition to the rule being introduced in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League and Arizona Leagues, it will also be carried out in the World Baseball Classic if any game is tied after nine innings.

"Let’s see what it looks like," MLB's Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre said, according to Passan. "It’s not fun to watch when you go through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing a utility infielder in to pitch. As much as it’s nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time.

"It’s baseball. I’m just trying to get back to that, where this is the game that people come to watch. It doesn’t mean you’re going to score. You’re just trying to play baseball."

Torre, a strong advocate of the new rule, says the end result could be beneficial in a number of ways including, but not limited to, a quicker end to games reducing the fatigue levels of players and less strain on pitchers lasting into late innings.

Furthermore, the league recently proposed raising the strike zone by an estimated two inches as well as changes to intentional walks. Instead of a pitcher tossing four straight balls, a team would indicate to the umpire when it wants to walk a player intentionally, granting the batter first base immediately.