An Opinion On The Universal DH

BY LILY BELCHER

Before the start of the 2022 season, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that a universal DH would be implemented in the National League, per the new agreement with the MLBPA. The NL lasted nearly 50 years (save for the screwball 2020 season) without taking on the DH after the AL adopted the rule in 1973, but the change was welcomed into the league this year.

While a traditionalist appreciated the difference in the leagues, it was a much needed rule as injuries have increased significantly, according to a report by The New York Times. A 2011 study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated that pitchers are 34% more likely to face injuries compared to the rest of their defense.

Pitchers, obviously, are more prone to upper body injuries, whereas fielders/batters are more likely to experience lower body injuries. Forcing pitchers to bat will increase their already high likelihood of being injured as they take on the risk of lower body injuries batters face.

The universal DH has also led to a better offensive performance. It’s no question that most hurlers can’t hit to save their lives. It’s funny to watch some 6’6 fastball pitcher stand off the plate making pathetic attempts to make contact with the ball the first time, but it gets old. Pitchers are a guaranteed out and, even when they do manage to get on base, cannot run as aggressively to avoid injury.

Manfred has also made it clear he wants more offensive production to capture the audience’s attention and the universal DH accomplishes this goal perfectly. A 2020 article by sports writer Jon Anderson shows the comparison between pitcher and DH batting statistics. Pitcher’s batted .126 compared to the .251 batting average of their DH counterparts and pitchers struck out about 16% more.

Now, the new rule hasn’t completely abolished pitchers hitting. Colloquially known as the Shohei Ohtani Rule, pitchers can still choose to bat and can remain in the game as the DH even after they’ve thrown their last inning. This rule allows for two way stars, like Ohtani, to showcase their rare batting skills, but not being forced to do so.

This means that pitchers who think they are good at the plate, like Zach Greinke or Jacob DeGrom, are more than welcome to pick up a bat and play offense for a change. But, for the average pitcher who is likely going to make a fool of himself batting, DHs are a welcome addition to this era of baseball.