Manfred wants MLB to keep extra-innings runner rule beyond 2020

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is looking ahead to next season and is hopeful some of the league's new rules stick around. Chief among them, Manfred wants extra innings to continue to open with runners on second base.

"I think the players like it," Manfred said, according to Ronald Blum of The Associated Press. "I think it’s really good from a safety and health perspective that keeps us from putting players in situations where they’re out there too long or in positions they’re not used to playing."

The rule seemed to prevent games from extending too long as only two contests went into the 13th inning this season.

Any permanent changes will need support from the players' union.

"We made a number of one-year changes this season under unique circumstances," MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said. "We are gathering feedback from players and we’ll bring that to the league at the appropriate time. Obviously, protecting health and safety will remain among several important considerations as those talks unfold."

Manfred reiterated he's also in favor of keeping an expanded postseason format.

Manfred didn't say whether or not he supports the National League keeping the designated hitter beyond 2020, adding it's another topic that needs to be broached with the union.