Good news for starting pitchers: less work might mean more victories.
In April, starters will need to pitch just three innings, instead of the usual five, to get credit for a victory.Baseball changed its rules Monday because of a shortened spring training, the result of a 32-day lockout. Pitchers will have just three weeks to get ready for April 9 openers, about half the usual amount.
The players' union asked for the shift and the Playing Rules Committee agreed. The change will be in effect for the first three weeks, the same time teams can expand rosters from 24 to 27.
"We talked with the league presidents and they thought it was a good idea," Bill Murray, head of the rules committee, said. "Pitchers may not be as strong at the start of the season, so this is fair to them."
Starting pitchers, of course, liked the idea.
"That's pretty nice," said Mike Norris, who is attempting a comeback with Oakland at age 35. "Three innings isn't very long, is it?"