Experimental rules rolling out for 2022 season
Major League Baseball announced a variety of experimental playing rules that have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee for use during the 2022 Minor League season. Consistent with the preferences of fans, these rules are designed to improve the pace of play, create more action
Major League Baseball announced a variety of experimental playing rules that have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee for use during the 2022 Minor League season.
Consistent with the preferences of fans, these rules are designed to improve the pace of play, create more action on the field, and reduce player injuries. Many experimental rules were first tested on a limited basis in 2021. The use of the most promising rules has been expanded to additional levels of play, providing more players and fans with exposure to the rules and allowing the Competition Committee to better evaluate the impact of each on game play.
Below is a summary of the experimental rules that will be tested during the 2022 Minor League season:
PITCH TIMER: On-field timers will be used at all full-season affiliates to enforce regulations designed to create a crisp pace of play, with batters required to be ready to hit and pitchers required to deliver the pitch within allotted periods of time. With runners on base, pitchers will have additional allotted time for each pitch but will risk automatic baserunner advancement if a third pick-off attempt or step-off within the same plate appearance is made without recording an out. These rules were used in tandem in the Low-A West and in the Arizona Fall League in 2021 and led to a significant improvement in pace of play and a reduction in average game time of more than 20 minutes.
LARGER BASES: The size of first, second and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square at all full-season affiliates to reduce player injuries. Bigger bases were used in 2021 at the Triple-A level and in the Arizona Fall League, and were associated with a decrease in the severity of base-related injuries. In addition, the reduction in distance between bases led to a modest increase in the rate of successful stolen base attempts.
DEFENSIVE POSITIONING: In Double-A, High-A and Low-A, the defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, with at least two infielders completely on either side of second base. These restrictions on defensive positioning are intended to allow infielders to better showcase their athleticism, to increase batting average on balls in play, and to restore a more traditional set of aesthetics and outcomes on batted balls.
AUTOMATED BALL-STRIKE ("ABS"): In select games in Triple-A and in the Low-A Southeast, ABS technology will be used to call balls and strikes. ABS was used in the Atlantic League in 2019, and in select games in the Low-A Southeast and Arizona Fall League in 2021.
- TRIPLE-A: In Triple-A West, umpires will call balls and strikes through May 15th, and the ABS system will be utilized in all games beginning May 17th. In Triple-A East, ABS will be used throughout the season in all games played in Charlotte. In both leagues, the ABS strike zone will approximate the strike zone called by high-level umpires.
- LOW-A: In the Low-A Southeast, MLB will test a “Challenge” system in select games, in which umpires call balls and strikes, and the pitcher, catcher, and batter have an ability to appeal the umpire’s call to the ABS system. In Challenge Games, each team will receive three appeals. Successful appeals will be retained.
Michael Hill, MLB’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, said: “Given the positive results of recent years, we are continuing to prioritize the kinds of experimental rules that many baseball fans routinely discuss and want to learn more about. The testing throughout the Minors will provide us with more valuable feedback and data that can be taken into consideration.”
Raúl Ibañez, MLB’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, said: “Many people in our game are just like our fans in that they want to see more athleticism and action. This next round of experiments will aim to emphasize the tremendous physical talent of our players and create an environment that lends itself to an accelerated pace of play.”
Theo Epstein, Consultant to MLB, said: “This year’s set of experimental rules was informed -- and we believe improved -- by the feedback of players, staff, umpires and fans, as well as by analysis of the impacts of last year’s tests. We are excited to roll out the improved rule experiments to a bigger population of Minor League players in an effort to ensure that any potential new regulations fulfill their objectives of creating more action, athleticism and a better style of play.”
MLB also continues its partnership agreement with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (“ALPB”), which was announced in 2019. This partnership agreement allows MLB to test experimental playing rules each season. Any new experimental playing rules for the 2022 season will be announced in the coming days.
WooSox Suffer First Shutout Loss, Fall 6-0 to IronPigs
ALLENTOWN, PA — The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (27-12) clinched a series win over the Worcester Red Sox (18-20) thanks to a 6-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park. The game was scoreless until Garrett Stubbs hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to give Lehigh Valley
Hickey Hammers Grand Slam, WooSox Fall in Walk-Off Fashion
ALLENTOWN, PA — The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (25-12) earned a walk-off win over the Worcester Red Sox (18-18) on Friday night at Coca-Cola Park, beating the WooSox by a 5-4 final. With a runner on second base in the bottom of the ninth, Garrett Stubbs laid down a bunt, and
WooSox Rally Late for Come-From-Behind Victory Over IronPigs
ALLENTOWN, PA — Thanks to a four-run eighth inning, the Worcester Red Sox (18-16) came from behind and beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (23-12) 6-4 on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Trailing 4-2 going into the eighth inning, the WooSox scored four runs to take a 6-4 lead. Roman Anthony
Ballou on Baseball - May 7, 2025
By Bill Ballou Minor league records are rarely broken these days because players who are on a pace to break records generally get promoted. That will likely be the case with WooSox infielder Marcelo Mayer, who had 34 RBIs through the season’s first 32 games. That projects to more than
Sabol Homers Twice, WooSox Beat IronPigs 6-4 in Extras
ALLENTOWN, PA — The Worcester Red Sox (17-16) – coming off a season-high 13-game homestand – began their two-week road trip with an extra-innings victory on Tuesday at Coca-Cola Park, topping the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (23-11) by a 6-4 final in 10 innings. Blake Sabol hit two homers, a solo
5th Annual Rich Gedman Golf Tournament, Presented by Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., Sells Out Faster Than Ever
WORCESTER, MA — The fifth annual Rich Gedman Golf Tournament, presented by the Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., benefiting the WooSox Foundation, has sold out faster than ever. The golf classic, set for Monday, May 12, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, is one of the foundation’s most helpful fundraisers.
Marcelo Mayer Named International League Player of the Week for the Week of April 21-27
Worcester Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer has been named International League Player of the Week today for the week of April 21-27. The 22-year-old played in 6 games for the WooSox during the week and batted .450 (9-for-20) with 3 doubles, 3 homers, 12 RBI, and 7 runs scored. Among
Forecast for Steady, Heavy Rain, with Lightning and Thunder, Forces Postponement of Today's WooSox Game and Autism Acceptance Day
WORCESTER, MA – With rain falling and a forecast for steady, heavy rain with lightning and thunder through 9 p.m., today’s game between the visiting Syracuse Mets and the homestanding Worcester Red Sox has been postponed. The clubs will play a single-admission double header tomorrow, Sunday, April 27, starting at
Marcelo Mayer Bobbleheads, Roman Anthony Replica Jerseys Among Promotions Whose Tickets go on Sale Today; Tickets for all WooSox '25 Games Now on Sale
WORCESTER, MA — Marcelo Mayer Bobbleheads and Roman Anthony Replica Jerseys are among the new promotional items the WooSox will offer fans this season. Having offered single game tickets only for April and May so far, the Worcester Red Sox are today launching the sale of tickets to all WooSox
WooSox Sweep Doubleheader From Mets, Mayer Homers in Game 2
WORCESTER, M.A. – The Worcester Red Sox (13-9) swept a doubleheader from the Syracuse Mets (10-13) on Wednesday at Polar Park with a pair of 5-4 wins, giving the home team nine wins in 10 games. Offensively, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer continued their strong starts in 2025, helping Worcester
Ballou on Baseball - April 23, 2025
By Bill Ballou The 2025 Worcester Red Sox are a team, to date, that must be even closer to the heart of team president Dr. Charles Steinberg than normal. This season’s WooSox have turned back the clock to the days of the Earl Weaver Orioles, the team that Steinberg began
Red Wings Snap WooSox Five-Game Winning Streak, Win 12-3
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A day after the Worcester Red Sox (9-9) set new season highs in runs, hits, and home runs, the Rochester Red Wings (4-14) did the same, snapping their eight-game losing streak by topping the WooSox 12-3 on Saturday afternoon at Innovative Field. Rochester scored 12 runs, amassed
WooSox Set Franchise Highs in Runs and Hits, Beat Red Wings 20-7
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In arguably their best offensive performance in franchise history, the Worcester Red Sox (9-8) beat the Rochester Red Wings (3-14) 20-7 on Friday afternoon at Innovative Field, winning their fifth-consecutive game and capturing a series victory. The WooSox set a new franchise high with 26 hits, surpassing
WooSox Throw Combined No-Hitter, Anthony Homers Twice in Sweep
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Cooper Criswell, Isaiah Campbell, and Jacob Webb combined to throw a combined, seven-inning no hitter in a game one win for the Worcester Red Sox (8-8) over the Rochester Red Wings (3-13) on Thursday night at Innovative Field. The WooSox ultimately swept a wild doubleheader, taking game
It’s a School Vacation Week FRYDAY NIGHT: UniBank "Fryerworks"—and Kids Eat Free!
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will celebrate School Vacation Week, presented by Southwick’s Zoo, with a “FRYDAY” UniBank Fangirl “FRYERWORKS” show—and all kids 12 and under get Chicken Tenders and French Fries for free. The popular poultry and potato combo will provide the culinary backdrop for the pyrotechnics