Report: MLB discussing six-inning minimum requirement for starting pitchers

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, MLB is discussing a rule that would be game-altering to baseball. While it’s nowhere near being finalized, there are talks of making six innings the requirement for starting pitchers.

“There is some belief around the game, however, that one idea could be a panacea: requiring starting pitchers to go at least six innings every time they take the mound,” Rogers said.

Now, MLB would not just require all starting pitchers to go six innings, there would be three exceptions. If 100 pitches are reached or four earned runs go up on the board, the manager can make a call to the bullpen. Injuries can also allow a starter to leave the game but to avoid manipulation, a stint by franchises on the Injured List would be required.

So, what is the benefit of potentially implementing the rule? Rogers explained in his article, saying MLB wants to bring back the idea of top-level starters going toe-to-toe against one another.

“The primary focus of a minimum-innings rule would be to immediately restore the prestige of the starting pitcher,” Rogers said. “Fans would be able to tune in to a game knowing that he would be on the mound for the majority of it.”

Baseball is full of elite starting pitching and is nearly showcased on a nightly basis. Paul Skenes has taken the National League by storm while Tarik Skubal is a heavy favorite to win the American League Cy Young. Seeing those types of pitchers duel it out for at least two-thirds of the game would provide incredible entertainment for those of us at home.

There are some big-picture issues around the idea as well.

Arm injuries have been a massive problem around the sport and not just at the Major League level. The importance of velocity is likely the reason why, causing elite players to blow their arm out, and eventually need Tommy John surgery, if not two procedures.

Looking at the Los Angeles Dodgers alone, five high-profile starting pitchers have suffered major injuries throughout the season. And that does not even include Shohei Ohtani, who is still swinging a bat while recovering from his elbow injury. Top prospect River Ryan was the latest on Tuesday, with the team announcing he would need Tommy John.

Baseball has shown no fear of making massive rule changes in the past. Adding the pitch clock and banning the shift swept the game ahead of the 2023 season, being a huge talking point. But overall, the results have been positive for the game.

Rogers says years of work would go into enforcing the six-inning minimum for starting pitchers, including getting approval from the MLBPA.