When word of some last-minute MLB rule changes leaked Tuesday, most focused on the Shohei Ohtani Rule, which allows a starting pitcher to remain in the game as DH if he was already hitting. With all due respect to Logan Webb, that one probably won't impact the Giants anytime soon.
A couple of other changes will, though, and not just as they prepare their Opening Day roster but throughout the season. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, MLB has agreed to expanded rosters for April games and also will keep the "ghost runner" in extra innings.
The roster size change is one that will impact a lot of players, although the Giants saw it coming.
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As Gabe Kapler spoke of camp competitions last week, he often hinted that he expected to have 28 players early on. MLB is expected to allow teams to carry two additional players through May 1 and then drop back to 26. This is being done to help alleviate some of the strain that will come with a shortened spring training.
The Giants could use the expanded roster in a couple of different ways. Thairo Estrada, Mauricio Dubon and Tyler Beede are out of options, although both infielders are in a good spot to make the team since it appears Tommy La Stella (Achilles rehab) may not be ready by April 8.
If they carry an extra position player, the Giants could open with two catchers, six infielders and six outfielders, with Steven Duggar making the roster and allowing Joc Pederson to be the DH against right-handed pitchers. Assuming La Stella returns before May, the Giants would still have an extra spot to play with.
Beede is trying to make the bullpen and will be helped by the extra spot. The Giants also have others like Sammy Long, Jakob Junis and Carlos Martinez who could provide depth as they play 19 games in five different cities over the first 20 days of the season.
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The extra-innings rule, which was in place the last two seasons, is also somewhat expected. MLB originally intended to go back to traditional rules, but the desire to try and shorten games this year won out. At this point, it does appear MLB will get rid of the runner-on-second rule before the 2023 season. MLB has already agreed to go back to nine-inning doubleheaders, scrapping last season's seven-inning games.
The Giants played just three seven-inning games last year, losing two of them. They were 10-9 in games that went to extra innings.