Rules change means MLB managers not allowed to stall for relievers

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has tweaked its rulebook to prevent managers from stalling to give relievers extra time to get ready.

The rule change comes a season after Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon put outfielder Sam Fuld on the mound for warmups with no intention of letting him pitch.

After Fuld tossed his warmups in a game at Milwaukee, Maddon brought in the reliever he wanted. Maddon later acknowledged he had no plan to pitch Fuld. From now on, managers won’t be allowed to use such a stalling tactic.

The change was proposed by the Playing Rules Committee in the offseason and approved by MLB, the players’ union and umpires.