Good morning, Athletics Nation!
The 2020 MLB season will bring lots of changes, as the sport adapts to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. One of those new realities involves extra innings, where the rules will be fundamentally different than normal.
Starting in the 10th inning, teams will begin each frame with a free runner on second base, in an effort to spur the action, avoid marathon games, and get everyone off the field instead of lingering around increasing their exposure to each other. The idea has been tested in the minor leagues the last couple years, so it’s not coming completely out of nowhere.