Major League Baseball (MLB) will implement a set of new rules during the shortened 2020 season.
The designated-hitter rule is part of the health and safety protocols and will be used both in the American and in the National League in 2020.
Extra innings will bring another relevant rule change. Each half-inning will start with a runner at second. The batter who made the final out in the previous inning (or a pinch-runner for that batter) would be that runner.
In addition to COVID-19 testing every other day, the main health precautions are as follows:
Team personnel and players not likely to participate in the game (for example, the next day's starting pitcher) will be sitting in the stands or another area designated by the club, at least six feet apart; non-playing personnel will wear masks in dugout and bullpen at all times; no spitting or chewing tobacco (gum is permitted); no celebratory contact (high-fives, fist bumps, hugs, etc.).
There will be a 10-day injured list for players. The 60-day injured list will be reduced to 45 days.
Players testing positive to COVID-19 will be on a separate injured list with no maximum or minimum days.
Teams will invite 60 players to Spring Training. They will open the season with a 30-man active roster. It will be reduced to 28 players after two weeks and to 26 after four weeks of regular-season play.
