MLB postseason rules: Extra-innings, three-batter minimum explained

It's the postseason, so expect longer games and, at least, the possibility some may go even deeper into the night.

Baseball purists, rejoice.

Why? Because the extra-innings rule adopted in 2020 does not apply in the postseason.

During the regular season, a designated runner was placed on second base to start the 10th inning, and each half inning thereafter until the game ended. 

The rule was designed to end the game quickly and to make games safer for players in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

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In the postseason, though, the game returns to its origin. 

However, the other somewhat controversial rule change in 2020 – the three-batter minimum – still applies.

According to this rule, relievers, and starters, must face a minimum of three batters per outing unless the inning ends before that still applies. The minimum is considered met if a reliever ends the inning before facing three batters.