The designated hitter (DH) rule has been a part of Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1973, and after two seasons, it is clear that the impact of this rule has been significant. The DH rule allows teams to designate a hitter to bat in place of the pitcher in the lineup, which has allowed for more offense in the game.
Since the implementation of the DH rule, teams have seen an increase in runs scored and home runs hit. In the 2019 season, teams scored an average of 4.86 runs per game, up from 4.46 in 2018. Additionally, teams hit an average of 1.39 home runs per game in 2019, up from 1.26 in 2018. This increase in offense has made the game more exciting for fans, as there are more opportunities for teams to score runs and hit home runs.
The DH rule has also had an impact on the way teams construct their lineups. Teams now have the flexibility to use a designated hitter to fill out their lineup with an extra bat, which can be beneficial for teams that have a strong offensive player who is not a great fielder. This allows teams to put their best hitters in the lineup without having to worry about their defensive abilities.
The DH rule has also had an impact on the way pitchers are used in games. Since pitchers are no longer expected to hit, they can focus solely on pitching and do not have to worry about their offensive abilities. This has allowed pitchers to focus on developing their skills as a pitcher, which has led to an increase in strikeouts and a decrease in walks.
Overall, the designated hitter rule has had a positive impact on MLB after two seasons. The rule has allowed for more offense in the game, given teams more flexibility when constructing their lineups, and allowed pitchers to focus solely on pitching. As the DH rule continues to be implemented in MLB, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the game of baseball.
