How the extra-innings rules work in the playoffs
October baseball is different -- and that includes some of the rules.
The MLB postseason has a few key rules differences from the regular season. The two big changes are to the extra-inning automatic runner rule, and to the number of replay challenges each team is allowed.
But there's also an important new rule that stays the same in the postseason: the pitch timer.
Here's how those three rules -- the runner on second base in extra innings, manager challenges and the pitch timer -- work in the playoffs:
1) In the postseason, there is NO automatic runner starting on second base in extra innings
During the regular season, if a game goes to extra innings, both teams start each extra inning with a runner on second base when they come to bat, beginning with the top of the 10th.
That rule exists only in the regular season. There is no runner starting on second base during extra innings for postseason games.
In the playoffs, teams play extra innings normally -- starting each inning with the bases empty, just like the first nine innings of the game.
A full explanation of the automatic runner rule can be found here.
2) In the postseason, teams get TWO challenges per game
Managers get an additional replay challenge for postseason games vs. regular season games.
Both teams start postseason games with two manager challenges. During the regular season, they get one challenge per game.
When a manager challenges a call in the postseason, the team still retains the challenge if it is successful, and loses that challenge if the play isn't overturned. That aspect is the same as the regular season, teams just have one more challenge to work with in the playoffs.
A full explanation of the manager challenge system can be found here.
3) In the postseason, the pitch timer IS still in effect
MLB's pitch timer, which was introduced in 2023 (and updated in 2024), does not change for postseason games.
In the playoffs, pitchers still have 15 seconds to begin their delivery of the pitch with the bases empty, and 18 seconds with runners on, just as they do during the regular season. If they don't, an automatic ball is called.
Likewise, batters still have to be in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher by the 8-second mark on the timer, or they get charged with an automatic strike.
A full explanation of the MLB pitch timer rules can be found here.