Ross hopes to stick with seven-inning doubleheaders

                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  • Cubs manager David Ross signals for a new pitcher during the third inning of a baseball game Aug. 6 against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

    Cubs manager David Ross signals for a new pitcher during the third inning of a baseball game Aug. 6 against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Associated Press

 
 
Updated 9/5/2020 7:45 PM

If it were up to David Ross, he'd make seven-inning doubleheaders a permanent part of major league baseball. The Cubs and Cardinals played another of those on Saturday.

"I think the health of the players comes into effect so much when you're talking about doubleheaders and the pitching staff," Ross said before the games. "Just the length of the day and how it can just absolutely wipe out your pitching staff.

 

"I like the two sevens, I've always liked to two sevens. I never understood you played them in the minors, then you get to the big leagues and it was two nines, day-nights and all that."

True doubleheaders have become rare in MLB anyway, since teams don't want to lose a game at the gate. When necessary, most teams were playing day-night doubleheaders with new crowds for each game.

"I understand there's a business side that comes into play," Ross said. "I have enjoyed it. I think it's smart for the health and especially this season. But I definitely would think they're looking into carrying it on. I've heard good feedback around the league."

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