To say that MLB’s new rule of starting extra innings with a runner on second base is controversial would be a massive understatement. It does have at least one supporter, though – Phillies outfielder Roman Quinn.
Minor League Baseball adopted the rule beginning in the 2018 season. As he recovered from injuries that have plagued his young career, Quinn has played in 40 minor league games over the past two seasons, meaning he’s seen the rule come into effect in an actual game situation.
“I actually experienced some of that when I was in Triple-A,” Quinn said of the new extra-innings rule. “I liked it. It sped the games up, it didn’t last that long and I thought it was a pretty cool thing that they were doing. I’m looking forward to it and seeing how it plays out here as well.”
Quinn, of course, theoretically stands to benefit from this new rule. The default runner that will go to second base is whoever batted last. If he’s not already in the lineup, Joe Girardi could turn to Quinn to pinch run in extra innings. There are few players in baseball that Quinn wouldn’t be an upgrade over on the basepaths, especially in a situation where it may only take a single to bring him home as the winning run.
When prompted by MLB.com‘s Todd Zolecki, Quinn also acknowledged that he could benefit from the addition of the DH to the National League. Though it’s pretty unlikely he’ll ever be utilized in that role, if Bryce Harper or Andrew McCutchen is, it could open up the chance for him to start in one of the three outfield spots.
Both rule changes have varying levels of critics, and face uncertain futures in the National League beyond 2020. Professionally, Quinn has a chance to benefit from both. The 27-year-old hopes that as more people see the rules play out in live games, they’ll become fans as well.
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