2020 MLB Playoffs: Rules, Wild-Card, Neutral Location, Seeding and More
In the old format, a pitcher could start the division series opener, then pitch again in Game 5 on his usual four days of rest. Now, the Game 1 starter would have to go on short rest for Game 5. Likewise, in the L.C.S., the Game 1 starter would not be able to pitch again with regular rest until Game 6.
The absence of off-days will make it harder for managers to use their best pitchers as readily as they have in recent years. Some highlights of the recent trend:
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In 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers used reliever Brandon Morrow in 14 of their 15 postseason games.
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In 2018, five different Boston Red Sox pitchers appeared as both starters and relievers in the postseason.
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In 2019, the Washington Nationals used three pitchers — Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin — for a combined 89⅓ innings, nearly 60 percent of the team’s total.
Clearly, the new schedule will place an unprecedented emphasis on the depth of teams’ pitching staffs.
What is the format for the World Series?
The entire World Series will be held at Globe Life Field, making this the first time one ballpark will host every game since 1944, when the Browns and Cardinals squared off in Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis, which they shared as their home park. The difference now is that the setting will be the first-ever neutral site, because the hometown Rangers will miss the playoffs.
Even without travel, though, the World Series dates are locked in for the broadcaster, Fox, meaning there will still be the usual days off after Games 2 and 5. The series begins on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/article/mlb-playoff-rules-seeding-location-wild-card.html