MLB's Extra Innings Runner Rule Explained: Who Starts on Second?

Starting in the 10th inning of a regular season game, each half inning begins with a runner already on second base. Fans call it the "ghost runner" or "Manfred runner," after Commissioner Rob Manfred. It first appeared in 2020 and became a permanent rule in 2023.

How It Works

• The rule kicks in at the top of the 10th inning and applies to every extra half inning after that.
• The runner starts on second base with nobody out.
• Normal baseball rules apply from there: bunts, steals and pinch runners are all allowed.

Who the Runner Is

The runner is the player in the batting order spot immediately before the inning's scheduled leadoff hitter. In most cases that is the player who made the last out of the previous inning. Managers can send in a pinch runner, and many choose a fast bench player.

How It Affects Stats

The automatic runner is treated as if they reached base on an error:

• If the runner scores, it is an unearned run for the pitcher, so it does not raise their ERA.
• It still counts on the scoreboard and as a run allowed.
• The runner does not count as a hit or a walk.

Why MLB Adopted It

Marathon extra inning games wore down pitching staffs, sometimes for days afterward, and forced position players to pitch. The runner on second makes scoring in extra innings much more likely, so games end sooner. It also reduces injury risk from extremely long games.

Strategy Changes

The rule brought back old school small ball:

• Sacrifice bunts to move the runner to third with one out
• Intentional walks to set up double plays
• Aggressive baserunning with speedy pinch runners

Not in the Postseason

The rule is regular season only. In the playoffs, extra innings are played the traditional way, which is why October can still produce epic 15 inning games. See how the bracket works in our MLB postseason format guide.