May 2024 · 4 minute read

The 2023 MLB season has seen various changes. Some new rules have been introduced this year. This has been done to reduce game time and increase some batting and fielding stats. These new rules have sparked many debates among players, fans, and experts. Looks like MLB is not done just yet with their experiments.

It is being reported that the MLB is now experimenting with a “Double-Hook” DH Rule. For the unversed, the DH (Designated Hitter) is assigned to a player who usually bats in place of the pitcher. As the pitcher continues to pitch, the DH does not take part in the field. The DH rule was applied in the American League in 1973. It was not until 2022 that the National League adopted this rule making it universal. Before that, the National League teams would compete with the use of a DH, and the pitchers were asked to bat as well.

The “Double Hook” DH rule is already been used in the Atlantic League. According to this rule, a team will lose its DH if the starting pitcher fails to complete atleast five innings. The minor league which has been an official partner with MLB since 2019, helps them in experimenting with any new rules which are likely to be introduced in the future.

Related: How Ken Griffey Jr’s request to former MLB commissioner led to a historic tradition followed on Jackie Robinson day

MLB fans are left furious with this new development

After the MLB decided to make the DH rule universal in 2022, there were some who were unhappy with it. The major reason was they lost the joy of watching a pitcher demolish a ball and go yard. That same year the league also introduced another rule. It was referred to as “The Shohei Ohtani Rule”, developed specially for two-way players like Ohtani.

As per The Shohei Ohtani Rule, a pitcher who has been named in the starting line-up as a hitter, can continue to remain in the game as a DH even if he is relieved as a pitcher. Previously, Ohtani was not allowed to continue to bat if he was hooked on from the mound. This new rule which the league is experimenting has once again sparked controversy. Here are some reactions.

MLB is also experimenting with a "Double-Hook" DH rule in the Atlantic League, where a team loses its DH if the starting pitcher fails to complete at least five innings pic.twitter.com/sIJNiUddvh

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 18, 2023

What happens then? Does a team have an 8-man batting lineup? Does the pitcher hit? This is a dumb rule and I’m not sure what problem this solves for.

— DAVID FORTIN (@davidfortin) April 18, 2023

It sucks that the people who run baseball actually hate baseball

— Teran Johnson (@TeranJSports) April 18, 2023

Call this rule the “let’s do a bunch of new shit that has no real use”

— AN0N BETTING (@ANON_BETTING) April 18, 2023

This is so stupid and pointless

— gabe (@PlayoffTanaka_) April 18, 2023

I'm not even kidding, if the MLB enacts this stupid-ass "double-hook DH" rule (if an SP doesn't pitch 5 innings, the DH gets taken away) then I'm actually going to stop watching baseball. Give Manfred enough time and this won't even be the same sport.

— Rod is a Padres fan 🇻🇦🇮🇹 (@rj_cubed) April 18, 2023

So the league gives everyone the DH and then immediately starts trying to figure out how to take it away

Make it make sense.

— DO84 (@DuckedOut84) April 18, 2023

If #MLB were using the Double Hook rule, the #Astros would have just lost their DH for the rest of the game since Urquidy didnt last 5 IP

— Patrick Creighton (@PCreighton1) April 19, 2023

Just keeps getting better. What’s next, ghost runners and throwing the ball at base runners to get them out?

— Glenn Willey (@gwilleynews) April 18, 2023

Apart from the double hook rule, the MLB will also be working on a designated pinch runner and the limitations of pitchers making pick-off moves. These new rules are set to be tested from 28th April onwards in the Atlantic League.

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