Some MLB spring training games might not even get to a seventh-inning stretch. And some innings won’t last three outs. With spring games starting Sunday, there is flexibility for managers to mutually determine how many innings they need to or want to play. Games can be as few as five innings through March 13, and as few as seven innings after that. Plus, managers will have to option to end a defensive inning with less than three outs if a pitcher has thrown at least 20 pitches. The relaxed game rules come on the heels of 2020 when team workouts were altered and the season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that is still ongoing.
