MLB Commissioner Faces Criticism Over Pitching Rule Proposals

Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman and others push back on Rob Manfred's ideas to address declining starting pitcher usage.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed potential changes to address the declining number of innings pitched by starters, including transaction rule adjustments and incentives for teams to develop durable pitchers.
Manfred rejected the idea of a mandatory six-inning minimum for starters, calling it an overly blunt solution that could exacerbate injury risks.
Kevin Gausman, a Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, publicly criticized Manfred's statements, urging fans not to trust the commissioner’s approach to the issue.
Statistics show a steady decline in starting pitcher innings over recent decades, with the average innings per start dropping to 5.2 in 2024 from 6.3 in 1984.
Manfred emphasized the marketing importance of starting pitchers, citing their historical role as central figures in broadcasts and marquee matchups.