Pitching changes and mound visits
MLB · 2025The minimum batters requirement and MLB’s visit allowance.
Changing pitchers
A starting or substitute pitcher must face at least 3 consecutive batters through completed plate appearances, or finish the half-inning. Injury or illness can justify an exception. If a pitcher returns after ending the inning before completing that minimum, the remaining requirement continues. Intentional walks count; picking off a runner does not count as a completed batter.
Visits to the mound
MLB allows 4 non-pitching-change mound visits per team over 9 innings, plus a further visit for each extra inning that cannot carry forward. Specified injury and other exceptions do not count. A second managerial or coaching trip to the same pitcher in an inning normally requires removal. Visit limits and the minimum batters rule must be applied together.
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