“Not enough Tommy John’s yet?”; “ This would be the dumbest thing” - MLB fans react as league looks to keep starting pitchers in the game longer 

There has been a growing trend in recent years with MLB starting pitchers getting pulled earlier and earlier. Pitchers have struggled to get past the sixth inning and seeing one go beyond is rare.

It has been something that has irked some fans, as they want to see starters going deep into ballgames. To help with that, the league is considering new rules to keep starters in longer.

Per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Rob Manfred is considering making starting pitchers complete six innings before being removed. However, there would be ways around it with injuries and such.

There have also been talks of a five-batter minimum for relievers, lowering the sizes of pitching staffs, and removing the double-hook designated hitter system.

However, many fans only see an increase in injuries with these suggestions:

"Not enough Tommy John's yet?! This is ridiculous. Enough Manfred 'tinkering' already," a fan said.

"This would be the dumbest thing Manfred has done since the last thing he did," another said.

"I am amazed that this guy still has a job," one fan added.

Many fans were critical of Manfred, especially given the amount of injuries pitchers have suffered this season. some are wondering how he is commissioner.

"Leave. The. Game. Alone," said another.

"Just stop," one fan said.

"Bad idea," another said.

There are seemingly not too many fans in favor of any of the proposed changes. It will be interesting to see if any of these pick up steam.

How would a six-inning minimum impact MLB pitchers?

MLB: San Francisco Giants - Blake Snell (Image Source: IMAGN)

A six-inning minimum would be impactful in more ways than one. For starters, it would restore faith in MLB fans that they would be able to see a starting pitcher go deep. Before a few weeks ago, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell never made it past the eighth.

The new rules could also change how starters go into games. Many are max-effort arms, who are not worried about an inning or pitch count, giving it their all on every single pitch. They would have to reconsider their strategy and conserve their energy.

The new rule would not leave starters out to dry if they did run into trouble. They could leave after throwing 100 pitches, give up four or more runs, or suffer an injury that would put them on the IL.