MLB won’t have universal DH, expanded playoffs in new 2021 protocols

The protocols are similar to the 2020 season, with seven-inning doubleheaders and runners on second base to start extra innings returning

BY KENDALL VALENZUELA

Feb 9, 2021, 1:10 PM Updated: 1:10 pm

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Major League Baseball (MLB) on Tuesday announced an agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on new COVID-19 health and safety protocol rules for the 2021 season including spring training and the regular season.

Under the agreement, seven-inning doubleheaders and runners on second base to start extra innings will return for a second straight season, however last year’s experimental rule to extend the designated hitter to the National League and expanded playoffs did not make the cut for 2021.

According to Sports Illustrated, there were 45 games postponed for COVID-19-related reasons and just two were not made up, between St. Louis and Detroit. In order to accomplish that, there were 56 doubleheaders, the most since 76 in 1984. About 12% of games were part of doubleheaders, the highest percentage since 13.6 in 1978.Here are the key rules adjustments that will take place during the 2021 season:

• Doubleheaders will be two seven-inning games.
• Each offense will get a runner on second to start every extra inning
• Active roster limit will revert to 26 and expand to 28 in September
• MLB clubs are permitted to carry up to five additional Taxi Squad players on all road trips.

Spring training opens on Feb. 17 and the season is set to start on April 1. Last week the NFLPA rejected MLB’s proposal to delay spring training and opening day until April 28, which would have led to 154 games instead of 162.

The league also announced many health and safety measures that will be carried out this season, including:

• Mandatory five-day at-home quarantine prior to reporting to spring training and frequent administration of PCR tests.

• Ten-day isolation period required for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.

• “Individuals who have been identified as having been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of seven days and must test negative on day 5 or later among other requirements to rejoin Club facilities.”

• A new league-wide code of conduct prohibiting certain high-risk activities outside the ballpark (“indoor gatherings of 10 or more, indoor restaurants, bars and lounges, fitness and wellness centers, entertainment venues, gaming venues (e.g., casinos) or any other activity that is prohibited by state or local governments.”)