How new extra-innings rule benefits the Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves: MLB is trying to make this happen in 2020. They’ve made a lot of tweaks to the game, today we look at how the extra-innings rule changes will impact the Braves.

The Atlanta Braves could be in a good position should a game end with a tie after regulation. This season, Major League Baseball is attempting to prevent as many five-hour marathons as possible by implementing the minor league rule of starting a runner on second base to begin each half-inning of extras.

While it may not be true baseball, it does accomplish the goal of expediting the end of the game. In 2016-2017, prior to the minor league’s implementation of the rule, only 45% of games ended after one extra inning.

After the runner at second was implemented in 2018, 73% of games ended after one inning.

There are some important things to note about this rule before we get into how this will work in the Braves’ favor.

Notes

• The runner on second will be the last batter from the previous inning. So, if the number three hitter is due up in the 10th inning, then the number two hitter will be on base.
• If the runner scores then the pitcher will not be charged with an earned run.
• Pinch runners can be used.

The schedule will be crazy, should the pandemic provide the opportunity for it to be played out. They plan to play 60 games in roughly 66 days.

To accommodate the increased workload, the active roster will be expanded for the first four weeks of the season.

In the first two weeks, it will be a 30-man roster. In the second two weeks, it will be reduced to 28 men. And in the final month of the season, the rosters will have the standard 26 players.

Let’s dive into a couple of reasons why the Braves could benefit from this extra-innings rule change in the 2020 season.

1. Relievers who can slam the door in extras.
2. Speed kills