MLB reviews rules for position players pitching after frequent use this season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 2:00 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Major League Baseball is considering modifications to regulations regarding the use of position players as pitchers. The discussion follows a trend where every team has utilized a non-pitcher in a nine-inning game at least once this season. The Colorado Rockies lead the league with nine such instances, followed closely by the Oakland Athletics and Arizona Diamondbacks. Some players have gained consistent experience in these roles, including backup catcher Brett Sullivan, who maintains a 4.70 ERA over 7.2 innings for Colorado. Bob Nightengale reports that league officials are exploring potential changes during upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Proposed updates may include allowing teams to expand rosters to 14 pitchers while restricting the conditions under which position players can be deployed on the mound.
- •Every MLB team has used at least one position player to pitch during a nine-inning game this season.
- •The Colorado Rockies have utilized position players as pitchers nine times this year.
- •MLB is discussing a proposal to increase the pitcher limit from 13 to 14 on 26-man rosters.
- •League officials are reviewing the specific rules governing when position players are permitted to pitch.
- 2:00 AMYahoo Sports — Purple Row After Dark: Is it okay for position players to pitch?
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