SRSport Rules
Baseball

The automatic runner changes extra innings before the first pitch.

In MLB regular-season extra innings, each half-inning starts with a runner already on second base. The rule creates immediate scoring pressure, but it also raises questions about who the runner is, whether teams can pinch-run, and how runs are charged.

Quick ruling: in MLB regular-season games, every half-inning after the ninth begins with an automatic runner on second base. The runner is usually the player in the batting order immediately before the leadoff hitter for that half-inning, and the rule does not apply in postseason games.
Decision path

How to place the runner

  1. Confirm the game is a regular-season MLB game and has reached extra innings.
  2. Identify the player due to lead off the half-inning.
  3. Place the player immediately before that hitter in the batting order on second base.
  4. Allow the offensive team to use a legal pinch-runner if it chooses.
  5. Score later runs with the automatic-runner rule in mind, especially earned-run treatment.
Who runs

The previous batter in the order starts on second

If the No. 7 hitter is due to lead off the inning, the No. 6 spot in the batting order is placed on second base unless a legal substitute or pinch-runner is used. This keeps the runner tied to the lineup rather than letting the offense choose any player for free.

Regular season only

Postseason extra innings are different

The automatic runner is an MLB regular-season rule. Postseason games use traditional extra innings, so teams must earn their baserunners from the start of each extra frame.

Scoring

The automatic runner is not an earned run by default

If the automatic runner scores, that run is not charged as an earned run to the pitcher simply because the runner was placed on second. Other runners and later scoring still follow ordinary official scoring rules.

Strategy

Why bunts, steals, and contact matter more

Because a runner starts in scoring position with no outs, the inning often turns into a run-manufacturing problem. A bunt, stolen base, productive ground ball, sacrifice fly, or contact play can decide the game quickly.

Common arguments

Misunderstandings to avoid

  • "The manager picks anyone" is wrong. The runner comes from the batting order unless substituted legally.
  • "It applies in the playoffs" is wrong for MLB.
  • "The pitcher is charged an earned run automatically" is wrong. The automatic runner's run is treated specially.
  • "Only the tenth inning starts this way" is incomplete. Every regular-season half-inning after the ninth starts with the automatic runner.