To reduce the length of extra-inning games, MLB has introduced a temporary rule in 2020 that places a runner on second base at the start of each inning. Starting in the 10th, teams will begin with a man in scoring position – and through three days of the season, all three games that have entered extra innings have ended in the 10th, with the away team winning all three.
On Saturday, the Cleveland Indians hosted the Kansas City Royals and lost 3-2 in 10 innings, after the Royals successfully manufactured a run in the top of the 10th. After the game, Cleveland pitcher Mike Clevinger – who started the game and allowed two earned runs in seven innings pitched – publicly bashed the MLB’s new extra-inning format.
Before we get into Clevinger’s complaint, it should be noted that Cleveland blew a golden chance to win in regulation. In a 2-2 game, the Indians had the bases loaded with one out, but back-to-back strikeouts got the Royals out of a jam. On social media, Clevinger’s opinion has been dismissed by some who have said his offense should have just been better, but the manner of Cleveland’s loss doesn’t defeat his point. According to Clevinger, the man-on-second rule is the “whackest [expletive]” he’s ever seen.”
Clevinger also responded to Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer, who pointed out that both teams get an equal opportunity with a man on second.
The finish of Saturday’s Royals-Indians game was absolutely wild from a statistical perspective. The Royals managed to score a run in the top of the tenth despite recording zero at-bats in the inning.
