The controversial “ghost runner” rule is “killing the game,” baseball fans claim as major law changes go into effect

MAJOR League Baseball voted unanimously to make the “ghost runner” rule permanent ahead of the 2023 MLB season.

The rule places a runner in second place at the start of each extra inning — but baseball fans believe the league is “killing the game” by making it official law.

1

MLB first introduced the concept of the ghost runner in 2020 to limit season attrition amid Covid-19 and limit the pool of available players.

The rule remained in effect for the next two campaigns before the league made it permanent for 2023 and beyond on Monday.

It is only enforced during the regular season.

Still, baseball fans aren’t thrilled with MLB’s decision.

One tweeted: “They’re killing this game…”

Another wrote: “Worst rule in baseball.”

And a third added: “Manfred strikes again! Terrible detective ruining baseball.”

Among other rule changes, MLB is increasing base size from 15 to 18 inches.

The move is expected to encourage stolen base trials and reduce injuries.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has spoken out in favor of the change – although he did make a joke about the field’s new look.

“The bases, these are the bases,” said Cora on Tuesday.

“Wait ’til you see them — they look like a pizza box, to be honest.”