MLB Adopts 7-Inning Doubleheader as STL Tests Positive

Although Minor League Baseball cancelled its season for 2020, MLB has adopted MiLB's Rule 7.01(a) Exception, allowing the major leagues to play seven-inning doubleheaders. The news comes as positive coronavirus test results invaded St. Louis and the Central Division barely one week into the season.

MLB's seven-inning doubleheader movement came about in response to a virus outbreak in the Miami Marlins organization, which caused an indefinite suspension of that club's activities and scheduled games. With Miami having played Philadelphia before news of the positive tests results, the Phillies also found their games suspended, with further news that members of its organization have also tested positive.

Meanwhile, in the Central Division, Friday's Cardinals-Brewers game in Milwaukee was postponed after two St. Louis players tested positive for coronavirus.

That leaves MLB's West Division as the only remaining faction of baseball yet to record a publicly-announced positive test. 

With three teams infected, Thursday's original schedule of 12 games was slashed to nine, with baseball losing 25% of its scheduled games to health and safety protocols related to positive test results. As such, MLB will rely on heavy use of postponements and doubleheader makeup games, bringing about the league's push to adopt a seven-inning regulation game for doubleheaders.

Pursuant to rule, "In such games, any of these rules applying to the ninth inning shall apply to the seventh inning," and the extra-inning tiebreaker will begin in the eighth inning for these games. Video as follows:
Alternate Link: MLB Adopts 7-Inning Doubleheader Rule, More Positives (CCS)